Rilwanu, an attacker and Adam, a box to box midfielder are part of a list made up of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, 13 midfielders and 13 forwards with the players staying at the Serob Legacy Hotel in the Wuye area of the nation’s capital.

Mahanaim FC, based in Abuja are heavily invested in talents discovery as this project invites doesn’t come as a surprise to the management of the club who have been putting all measures in place for the growth of its players.

The 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations is to be staged in Egypt from the of 18th February to 12th March, 2023.

All four semi -finalists at the U20 AFCON will fly Africa’s flag at next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals holding in Indonesia.

Mahanaim FC pacing winger and Flying Eagles forward, Rilwanu Haliru Sarki powered his team to the quarterfinals of Unity Preseason Tourney with a brilliant goal against Wikki Tourist on Wednesday.

The Nigerian U-20 Star striker confirmed the exit of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, Wikki Tourists alongside Doma United in their last group games in Abuja.

The last matches in the Group D which took place simultaneously at both Old Parade Football complex, venue of the game between Mahanaim FC and Wikki Tourist, while EFCC against Doma took their make or nar encounter to Area 3, Football Pitch.

The two fixtures showed how difficult it was for two the teams, to have qualified before the last round of matches in the Unity preseason tournament groupings.

Wikki Tourist drew the first blood against Mahanaim FC in the first half and managed to consolidate on it till they went on recess.

The non-league side, Mahanaim FC who fielded some of their fringe players in a bid to build their confidence and equally exposed them through the highly intense encounter with Wikki Tourist, however, Coach Saheed Olalekan promptly unleashed all his foot soldiers into the field of play, as the second 45 minutes started.

Mahanaim were initially forced by Wikki Tourist to adopt a not too impressive tactics which is against the culture and style of play of the Abuja-based side.

As the match continued to take shape properly Wikki Tourist were struggling to contain the tactically high ‘pressing’ approach of the Mahanaim boys all through the progression of the match.

The Kebbi born intelligent winger, Rilwanu Sarki came on explosively and forced Wikki goalkeeper to smart save from his ferocious strike.

Aliu Baba Kareem, known as Mahanaim FC ‘Tiger’ outpaced two of his markers before feeding Sarki whose 17 yard effort beat the keeper to bring Mahanaim back on level terms.

This late effort confirmed the quarter finals ticket of Mahanaim FC, as Doma united exit the competition after they settled for a two all draw against EFCC at the area 3 football pitch; suffice to say, Rilwanu Haliru Sarki handed the Abuja-based team its quarter finals ticket against Setraco FC.

Meanwhile, as Mahanaim FC prepared for the quarterfinal match against Setraco today, one of the best center backs in this competition, Sodiq Yusuf has expressed confidence that his side will leave no stone unturned to secure victory.

“It was not an easy task booking the ticket going into today’s game against a league one side, Setraco.

‘’We have been very formidable as a non league football team thus far, Mahanaim FC sets target collectively and we usually tick the target boxes after every game.

“We are taking this game very seriously and no stone would be left unturned,” he assured.

Mahanaim FC finished as the Table toppers of Group D with five points, from three games – in the second edition of the ongoing Unity Preseason Tourney.

They will face Setraco 2pm, at Area 3 football pitch this afternoon.

Olaoluwa Aro

How Mahanaim boys showed up against Doma United with my Score-Card:

1. Ibrahim Raaheem: (Rio)

He was calm and quiet yesterday, brought his experience to the game as well. Also known as “Rio” perhaps, as a result of his towering height, made three excellent goal-bound saves, whilst the game was very intense but wasn’t under pressure . (7/10)

2. Yahaya Danjuma:

Yahaya is not a player with Man -made ability to play football because no one can explain where he got his energy from. He was in top shape yesterday, attacked aggressively and defended Intelligently.

The vice captain of the under 17 injected his National team exposure into the game tactically, whilst speedily joining the attack at every given opportunity without any sign of tiredness. Note, he was the best right back in Ghana where Golden Eaglets hoisted the WAFU B Under 17 championship few months ago. (8/10)

3. Abu Robert: Abu is one of the most experienced left footed players in Mahanaim FC with his ability to function well as a left back.

He was technically good, has two major gifts of scoring from set pieces and ability to give sublime crosses that can put any defense line into troubles.

Yesterday’s game wasn’t his day as he was caught napping at the crucial moments in the second half; and of course, it seemed like he programmed himself to be playing backwards (just like the way Nigeria Economy is moving backward currently) against Doma United but I hope he gets better subsequently. (5/10).

4. Sodiq YUSUF (c): Rudiger

Tall, embodies image of Real Madrid defender, Rudiger. He captained his team in the absence of his regular pairing, John Light but was able to cover up professionally and calmly.

Sodiq, wasn’t just superb but showed class in his composure on and off the ball. He battled with intelligence, dictate where the goal keeper should start the game from and took charge as a leader, in fact, he was absolutely in control of the defense.

Sodiq, contested key aerial balls yesterday adequately while giving Doma United striker, his lookalike in terms of height situational headache. A reliable center back on his Day!!!,(8/10)

5. Umar Salisu: Malo

Oh well, he is fondly called ” Malo” maybe because of his demeanor. Yesterday, he had opportunity to start and paired Sodiq Yusuf in a 4-4-2 formation, was a little bit not composed at the beginning but later understand the rhythm of play.

Before now, Umar personally made my heartbeats especially off the ball but in yesterday’s game, I saw a ‘Malo ‘ that was massively involved aerially in the defense. He was kind of calculative in his approach and also showed how he is improving with ball-playing using his foot.

He didn’t give me much reasons to worry about the absence of captain fantastic, John Light. Umar was armed to the teeth throughout and I didn’t see any ‘unforced’ errors from him. Bravo Malo!!! (7/10)

6. Muhammed
   Abdulsalam: (Vidal)

Vidal is a player that suits a defensive position looking at his body formation. He was obviously doing his job yesterday in the match against Doma United but in some cases, he got carried away with ball usage and was recklessly making basic errors. Despite these major mistakes, he was equally up to the tasks, used his physical ability combatively to put pressure on Doma’s midfielders. He needs to step up and should purge himself off elementary errors as a Defensive midfielder! (7/10).

8. Adedayo Ibrahim: Partey

He is following the steps of Arsenal’s midfielder, Partey and no doubt, Ibro’s style of play depicts this. A personality with different functionalities yesterday as while marking responsibly, also joined the attack Intelligently and recused Mahanaim FC defensively as well.

He rarely play with Vidal but they understood each very well against Doma United and approach the game with maturity. He was Taciturn despite the tempo of the game, meaning, he was simply doing his job professionally on the field.

Partey was very present tactically, made Doma United struggled to express themselves at every point in the middle. Thumb up for “Ibro”! (8/10)

9. Paul Ogunkoya (PAULO)

Paul is an ideal striker that can easily attract suitors across the globe.

I wasn’t really contented with his missed opportunities in yesterday’s game, simply because he was profligate but I will cut him some slacks due to the nature of the pitch; even though, he is still regaining his ability to reestablish himself into the culture of Mahanaim FC, having been loaned out to Ikorodu City FC, where he scored three goals and three assists in nine games. Paulo should have singularly made yesterday a doomsday for Doma, if he had converted his chances however, he overran their defense from beginning to the end. He intelligently made up for his unusual errors by providing the needed victorious assist , which was brilliantly placed and converted by his teammate, Michael Gilbert (Ozil).

Paul needs to learn how to bury every opportunity that comes way, although,on his A day,he would have scored three to four goals. Meanwhile it’s not enough for a Striker to be a bully as number goal counts more than work rates. (8/10)

10. Sarki Ridwan ( Elnano)

Back from the injury that hampered his ability to prove himself more at WAFU Zone B Under 20, in Niger Republic.

“Seriki ” which means, King in English was explosive from the wings but didn’t give me the usual goose-bumps of his A game. He tried his best, attacked and defended massively, didn’t get tired of pacing out any right back or left back. Had a decent game with reasonable contributions as the rhythm of play changed yesterday against Doma United. He needs to do more to activate his potential for he has the talent to succeed greatly as a left-footer winger. (7/10)

11. Yakubu Joel ( Spirit)

Joel is the shortest player on the field but most gifted, talented and unpredictable. I wonder why they tagged him “Spirit” but yesterday, I saw a player who was ‘ disappearing from the Midfielders and Reappearing in the box- 18 with the speed of light.

The wonderkid’s nickname worthy of spirit because, as he explosively disturbed Doma united in also all the encounter he had, despite being roughly tackled and tracked down by the Gombe based team- players. He is pacing, dribbles with his body movement without you knowing, even though, he does this from afar. He had one or two chances yesterday but couldn’t put the Ball inside the Net.

Joel was great, and technically in the party yesterday while scattering Doma players like rice with his dribbling techniques; I believe event like this would help shape him for the future as he is already a Fearless player. (8/10).

12. AbdulRahman Adam ( Pogba)

He is a player that has creative instinct to dictate the flow of game on the field. He was a different person (positively) yesterday as he has added combative ability to his creativity, a mentality which was noticeably in all he did against Doma; even his teammates were wowed to the point of asking what led to a new Skipper, with fighting spirit from all angles. He wanted to display his usual gift of dribbling but the pitch didn’t allow him control the ball, the way he does effortlessly. Skipper, now covers more ground and is slowly introducing box to box ability to his mode of operation, in fact, I was highly impressed with what he is becoming professionally.(8/10)

The subs:

11. Friday Adejoh: (Rashford)

He is another fantastic, sleeking winger who can cause havoc on his day. He came on yesterday, fiercely added values to the team’s attacking style and defensive culture; Friday didn’t drop those killer passes because the game became more intensed thus, he had to minimize his ability to make progress upfront at some points. (6/10)

Michael Gilbert:Ozil

Gilbert is a gifted left footed player technically. He looked unprepared coming into the game but was lucky to have positioned himself for Paul’s well taken solo cross before putting it inside the net without stress. On his good day, he would have made more impact but he justified why the technical crew introduced him with that singular effort. (7/10).

Reserves
Aliu Baba
Egwuatu Daniel
Michael Gilbert HB
Shalom James
Progress
Ogunkoya Peter
Friday Adejoh
Aderemi Shamsudeen
Light John
Sunday

Olaoluwa Aro

Mahanaim Football Club of Abuja hit the ground running in their match day one of the ongoing Unity Preseason Tournament, which kicked off yesterday, at the Old parade ground Football pitch, Abuja.

The fast rising Abuja-based team comprises of top quality players, Mahanaim FC, were at home against Doma United based on how the organisers fixed the groupings of this year’s edition of Unity Preseason Tourney, in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahanaim FC took the battle to DOMA United using their usual identity of ‘Pressing’ from all fronts in less than 25 minutes into the game, and the Gombe-based newly promoted Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side, found the tactical approach of Mahanaim boys quite difficult to understand.

The Mahanaim boys who are tutored by one of the grassroot developers amongst the coaches in the FCT, Saheed Jimoh (Seedorf), adopted precision in mobility style of play which means, every attack on Doma United, most times resulted to free kicks, throwing or corner kicks in their favor.

Paul Ogunkoya, who loves a ‘One Man riot’ attacking instinct was fiercely everywhere in the game, had few numbers of chances but Doma United goalie was up to the tasks and threats posted by ” Paulo”; although, the boys dominated Doma throughout the entire first 45 minutes, making it a one sided display.

When the second 45 minutes began, Doma United returned aggressively but Mahanaim FC boys used their ability to soak up the pressure of massive attack from the opponent.

As the match continued, Mahanaim came out smoking by activating all tactical angles of dominance as seen in the number of chances created within 25 minutes into second half.

The technical crew of Mahanaim realised the game time seemed faster than speed of light- decided to introduce, Michael Gilbert, known as ‘ Ozil ‘ just 19 minutes before the end of the encounter- while substituting Flying eagles winger and WAFU B winner, Ridwan Seriki, who had Overworked Doma United left back through his innate -ability to run down any defense line whenever he is in top shape.

Ozil came on, made a never give up sort of run inside Doma box-18, in other to bring himself into the game tactically. In Less than six minutes of his introduction, he positioned himself for a well measured cross from Paul Ogunkoya, controlled it with his right foot while using same to take down one of the defenders, who was positioning himself for a blockage of possible goal defensively; however, Gilbert was extremely calm before slotting in the ball with his strong but gifted left foot.

Paul Ogunkoya Jnr, just few minutes to the end of match created another opportunity for Michael Gilbert and this time around, the poster boy of the day couldn’t convert it due to impatience but has taken that as a learning process.

Mahanaim FC’s hottest property, Aliyu Baba has described his second-half heroic display against Camp United last Friday, as odd and amazing after coming off the bench to inspire them to what was a one-sided 4-0 win in a friendly match.

With both sides level at halftime, Aliyu was introduced at the break and opened the floodlight of goals halfway into the half when he pounced on a rebound to make it 1-0, moments later he then connected with Friday Samson to score his brace.

Keen to emulate the scoring form of Erling Haland’s sweet start to life at the Etihad, the incredible striker grabbed his hat-trick as he lobbed the goalkeeper for 3-0 after which ALIU turned provider for fellow substitute, Ismail to wrap up the win.

Speaking to the club’s media, Tiger as his popularly called by teammates on the pitch of play, stated that he has had many amazing second-half performances but insisted his latest was usual and might just be his best till date.

“It’s always nice to be in the right place and score a goal, and as a striker, my job is to score so whenever I go into every game. I have always try to do my job on the field which is to put the ball at the back of the net, but scoring 3 is Special.

“When I knew was going to start from the bench, it was a bit new, however I also believe it as a chance to also study the game from the bench, and the coach’s instructions from the bench made it very easy for me to steal the show.

Aliyu continued, “my second half performances in our Aiteo Cup runs where amazing but this one against Camp United is also there among the best, coming of the bench to score and also assist a goal, I can only give thanks to God and my teammates,” Tiger concluded.

Aliyu who remains on the radar of a host of clubs home and abroad having scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists in his last 3 games, including a Brace against the CHAN Eagles in a warm up game before their qualifiers against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.

Mahanaim FC displayed class and dominance over AS Roma Academy 4-1, on their home turf at the weekend in Abuja.

The first 45 minutes of the Match produced all five goals, with Mahanaim’s striker Aliu Baba the star man, scoring a brace within the opening 17 minutes and providing an assist.

Aliu scored the first goal on 12th minute, when he connected to a pass from Joel Yakubu. That did provoked an equaliser from Roma on 14th minute. However, three minutes later, Aliu completed his brace, after combining again with Joel Yakubu.

Winger Chidera Adindu added Mahanaim’s third goal 28th minute, lashing on to a cross from Yahaya Danjuma.

The 4-1 route was completed when Yahaya Danjuma was teed up by Aliu Baba, as Mahanaim maintained the tempo.

Coach Jackson Jackson changed almost the entire starting eleven in the second half but the introduced players couldn’t quite produce the clinical finish witnessed in the first. Roma Academy made frantic efforts to score their own goals but all that proved abortive as the game finished in a 4-1 away victory for Mahanaim FC.

Coach Jackson Jackson of Mahanaim FC underlined what happened in the game:

“We wanted to score more goals but the boys who came on the second half could not replicate the tempo which is something we have to work on. But I’m very satisfied with the result,” Jackson says.

Despite scoring a brace, striker Aliu Baba wasn’t satisfied.

“I scored to goals but I’m not satisfied. I wanted to score more goals, that’s is my job. I’m sure if I stayed on in the second half I could have scored more goals but maybe that’ would be next time,” he says.

Mahanaim FC had many returnees who featured in the match. Yahaya Danjuma who made the WAFU B Zone U17 best team played his first match. Same as Ridwan Sarki who was with Nigeria U20 team that won WAFU B Zone Championship.

Striker Paul Ogunkoya also returned to the team after a successful loan spell at Ikorodu United when theh played in the second division league.

Mahanaim FC Media Department!

Following his man-of-the-match performance against the Super Eagles B side in a Grade A friendly game on Thursday; Mahanaim FC’s, striker Aliyu Baba has categorically stated that there is more to come from him, after he gave the Eagles handler plenty to worry about in a two nil defeat to Chan Team.

Nicknamed the Tiger, the non-league player showed no fear as he scored twice to shock the CHAN Eagles handlers at the training pitch of the MKO Abiola stadium, to give his young side an impressive 2-0 lead.

However, goals from Promise Amadi and Chidebere Nwobodo put the Eagles’ level at the break before a second-half header from Ebube Duru, which sealed the win for the more experienced CHAN Eagles.

Speaking to the club media after the game, Aliyu Baba who caught the eyes many football lovers in club’s (first) giant-killing run during the FCT Aiteo cup, stated that he was happy with his performance as it was just another good day in the office.

“I feel great to score against the National Team, it was a good game for us and I am sure we gave our best on the field.

“Well I won’t say I am surprised with my goals, it’s what I am here for, to score goals and help the team and I can guarantee that there is plenty to come from me in the future,” Aliyu added.

The Mahanaim Striker who is also on the radar of series of Premier League clubs, Foreign clubs has shown consistency with the club scoring a hattrick against Police FC , whilst he converted the lone goal that knocked down and bundled out Garden City Panthers in the club run to the FCT Aiteo Cup semifinals before his side’s 2-0 defeat to EFCC FC.

Nigeria’s Home based Super Eagles fought back from a 2-goal down to defeat Mahanaim FC of Abuja 3-2, in its first test match ahead of a crucial two legged CHAN 2023 qualifiers against the Black Galaxy’ of Ghana.

The match was played on the newly repaired and refurbished training ground of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, 18th of August, 2022. In the highly balanced game, 2013 AFCON winner Ogenyi Onazi featured and had a good 45 minutes Presence in the game.

The Eagles conceded two early goals to the brilliance of Mahanaim FC Striker, Aliu Baba but found it was back through Akwa United’s Promise Amadi and Chidebere Nwobodo of Rangers Intl as the first half ended 2-2.

The super eagles made six changes to the 5 changes in the second half as lanky rivers united defender Ebube Duru headed home the winning goal for the Chan Eagles in the second half.

Assistant coach Kenedy Boboye’ said the team is still a work in progress.

Meanwhile Ogenyi Onazi’s reason for featuring in the friendly match for the Homebase Super Eagles was to keep up and examine his level of Fitness before going to his club, in Europe.

Mahanaim Media department:

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Golden Eaglet vice-captain Yahaya Lawal has been rewarded for his brilliant performance at the just concluded WAFU U-17 Zone B tournament in Ghana after he was named in the team of the tournament by the organizers.

The skillful right back was one of the shining lights for the coach Nduka Ugbade as Nigeria once again proved to be a dominant force in the sub-region having captured both the U-20 and U-17 titles.

The Mahanaim FC right-back featured in all four games for the Golden Eaglets and contributed 3 assists to help Nigeria win the trophy and also reach the AFCON U-17 proper next year in Algeria.

Popularly called Lawali by the commentators in Ghana, the rise of the non-league player comes as no surprise to many who have watched him grow with ace journalist Tobi Adepoju describing the player as one for the future.

Lawali was one of 5 Nigerian players with goalkeeper Richard Odoh, free kicks specialist Michel Emmanuel, defender Jeremiah Olaleke and finalist hero Abubakar Abdullahi also named on the list.