ValueJet Preseason: Ayeni focuses on rebuilding Doma United for NPFL return

Posted : 13 August 2026

Doma United Technical Adviser Deji Ayeni says the ongoing ValueJet Preseason Tournament is providing his newly assembled squad with the right platform to develop the quality and understanding required for a successful return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Ayeni, who took charge of the Savannah Tigers less than a month ago, said he was more interested in building a competitive and cohesive team than chasing preseason victories.

Speaking after Doma United’s Matchday 2 encounter against Inter Lagos, the experienced tactician stressed that the club’s rebuilding process remained his immediate priority.

“I am not fixated on winning at this stage. My concern now is to build a solid team capable of competing effectively in the league,” Ayeni said.

According to the coach, the condition of the squad he inherited made a comprehensive rebuilding exercise necessary, with the demands of top-flight football requiring players with the right quality, mentality and determination.

“Playing in the NPFL demands quality, focus, and determination. You need players who understand the demands of the top flight,” he said.

Ayeni described the ValueJet tournament as an important part of the club’s preparations, providing an opportunity to assess his players, experiment with different tactical systems and improve their physical and mental readiness.

“This preseason tournament offers us a valuable platform to assess the players, test our systems, and prepare them mentally and physically for the challenges ahead,” he added.

The former NPFL coach also commended the tournament organisers for bringing together a strong field of teams, saying the quality of opposition was giving Doma United a useful benchmark for measuring their progress.

“The process is still intact and we are progressing gradually. I must appreciate the tournament organisers for bringing together quality teams. It gives us the right benchmark to measure our efforts,” Ayeni said.

With the club parading a largely revamped squad, the coach expressed confidence that the ongoing process would prepare the Savannah Tigers for the rigours of the new NPFL campaign.

He said the team was determined to justify its readiness for a return to Nigeria’s top professional league by developing a squad capable of competing effectively throughout the season.

Ayeni also thanked Doma United supporters for their continued backing and assured them that the technical crew and players would remain committed to delivering a successful campaign.

“I want to use this medium to thank our fans for their unwavering support. I assure them that we will put in our very best to ensure a successful league season,” he concluded.

ValueJet Preseason: Ayeni focuses on rebuilding Doma United for NPFL return

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