Ghana Premier League giants Accra Hearts of Oak are set to travel to Nigeria this July as part of their preparations for the 2025–26 season.
The Phobians will participate in the prestigious Eko International Cup (EIC), scheduled to run from July 6 to 13, 2025, in Lagos.
The Lagos State Government has extended an invitation to eight clubs from five different African countries to compete in this year’s tournament, which will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The ten-day competition promises a thrilling showcase of continental club football, with prize money and regional bragging rights on the line.
This year’s edition of the EIC will feature clubs from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Benin. Representing the host nation are Nigeria Premier League champions Remo Stars, along with Ikorodu United, Shooting Stars, and Enyimba FC.
Joining Hearts of Oak as continental representatives are FC Kallon (Sierra Leone), SuperSport United FC (South Africa), and FC Dadjè (Benin).
For Hearts of Oak, the tournament forms a crucial part of their pre-season programme as they seek to bounce back from a mixed 2024–25 campaign.
The club is currently eyeing a strong finish in the Ghana Premier League, with crucial final fixtures against Legon Cities and FC Samartex that could secure them a top-four finish.
Their FA Cup journey ended prematurely after a shock quarter-final defeat to Division One side Golden Kick FC, dashing hopes of silverware this season.
Despite recent setbacks, Hearts of Oak remains one of Africa’s most storied clubs. Founded in 1911, the Accra-based side is the oldest existing football club in West Africa and famously clinched a historic treble in 2000, including the CAF Champions League title.
