….. Thanks organizers for the invitation

By Olaoluwa Aro

As the yearly Unity Preseason Tournament takes center stage in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja this coming weekend, Mahanaim FC Captain John Light Maduabuchi, has reacted confidently to the grouping, especially group D, where his team would be facing Wikki Tourist, Doma United- one of the newly promoted teams to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and Abuja based Nigeria National League (NNL) sides, EFCC.

Being one of the emerging non league football teams in the North central, Mahanaim FC have continued to distinguished themselves at any major events amongst their pairs in the Abuja circuit, since the Club was established.

John Light Maduabuchi, who was obviously elated with the Draws express optimism but didn’t downplay the battle ahead, as Mahanaim prepares for the Unity Cup.

” Football is a game of equal number of players on the Field. Playing Wikki Tourist, Doma United and EFCC of Abuja is a challenge that would be surmounted before our first game, and when the event kicks start on 22nd of this month, which is this coming weekend.

Reacting to questions on if participating for the first time in Unity Preseason Tourney would affect his team’s progress during the Competition, John Light, who is equally dubbed as ‘Lightinho’ appreciate the Organizers for extending one of the invites to Mahanaim FC.

“We are new in the tournament but not a new team on the field of play.

“I have received several overwhelming calls from our fans, football lovers within FCT and beyond regarding the pairing with these top teams and I have consistently maintained strongly that, we are equal to the tasks.

“Of a Truth, Wikki Tourist is a major factor but not a Fear factor and as for DOMA United, their promotion to NPFL showed how formidable they are amongst other NNL sides.

“EFCC of Abuja is a Familiar foe and we wouldn’t disregard any of our opponents but we shall show the world what Mahanaim FC is capable of professionally, in the competition, he said.

The captain took time out to show appreciation to the organisers during the interview ahead of the commencement of the pre-season.

“As a team that loves showing gratitude, we are thanking the Brains behind the Unity Preseason Tourney, led by Veteran Journalist and certified Coach, Mr Patrick Ngwaogu, alongside the two other- Men with letters, otherwise known as Pen- pushers for the opportunity given to Mahanaim to be part of this year’s event, which is also the second edition as well.

“We promise to be professional, responsible in our usual courteous manner, as we are not taking this Golden chance for granted because we were not given gratuitously,” Light concluded with utmost assurance

The unity preseason competition is basically for the purpose of preparing Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) teams, before the new season, which is definitely going to help continental representatives as well.

Historically, Former NPFL champions, Plateau United defeated Nasarawa United by lone goal to hoist the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tourney on the 5th of November, 2021.

  EFCC, John Light Maduabuchi, NNL, NPFL, Wikki Tourists