The organizers of the Unity Preseason Tournament have expressed their sincere appreciations to various Football stakeholders in the country for rallying round them to ensure the successful completion of tournament which has been become the flagship in the Northern part of the country.

Speaking immediately after the final match held at the weekend, the General Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) said the response of the stakeholders showed wide acceptability.

“We thank the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau who took time out of his tight schedule to watch some matches. We appreciate the First Vice President of the Federation Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu who took time out to watch the final match, we are very appreciative to the Chairman of Chairmen Alhaji Ahmed Fresh who happens to be the Coordinator of the football family in the North Central zone, he personally bankrolled the payment of our medical teams at the tournament, Cone Sports company was wonderful, they kitted our finalists, former FCT FA Chairman Emmanuel Attah provided us with all the individual awards, Cool/Wazobia /Nigeria Info FM that availed us with their platforms to reach out widely, our official media partners, ECN Global Ltd, Zoomax and PIKINOFGOD Ltd, the Sports Writers of Nigeria and many more too numerous to mention.

Finally, the support of the FCT Football Association led by Alhaji Murthar Abba Muhammed can not be quantified. We are grateful to the entire residents of the Federal Capital Territory for their words of encouragement “the former FCT First Vice Chairman said.

An elated Ngwaogu promised a better tournament in the next edition, appealing to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation and that of various leagues to provide a stable calendar for Nigeria Leagues, to enable the organizers of the Preseason Tournaments also plan adequately for the betterment of the country’s football.

The Unity Preseason Tournament is in its second edition. Plateau United won the first edition defeating Nasarawa United by a lone. EFCC FC defeated same Nasarawa United to emerge winner’s in the just concluded edition.

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.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau was among the guest that watched the on going Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja.

The President who came in as the last match of the second day was going on,was received by the Organizers alongside the Chairman of Nasarawa United Barrister Danladi Isaac, Media Aide to the Sports Minister Kola Daniel among others. The President came in when the match between NPFL side Nasarawa United of Lafia and NLO 1 side Like-Minds FC of Gwagwalada Abuja, which ended two goals to one in favour of Nasarawa United, was going on. The President came in unannounced.

Speaking on the visit of the NFF President to the tournament, the General Coordinator of the Unity Preseason Tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) was full of appreciation to the President for finding time to watch the games, saying that the NFF Boss has truly demonstrated that he belongs to the grassroots, and wants to keep abreast with what is happening there. He thanked the President for his passion, and prayed for God’s divine wisdom for him.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa United on Sunday became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches. They defeated Mailantariki FC by two goals to nil, in their first match, before overcoming Like-Minds FC by two goals to one. The second qualifier from the group will be determined on Monday when Like-Minds FC takes on Mailantariki FC at the Area 3 playing ground.

Other results of matches played so far are as follows :

DAY ONE: Saturday , Oct. 22

1. Nasarawa (2) vs Mailantarki (0 )- OPG
2. Manahaim (1) vs Doma (0)OPG
3. Lobi (1) vs City (0)- OPG
4. FWC (4)vs Destiny FC (0) Area 3 *Day TWO ** Sunday 23 October 2022*
5. Wikki (1) Vs EFCC (1)- OPG
6. Destiny F3 (2) vs Nuredeen FC (0) OPG
7. Setraco (1) Vs FWC (1) Area 3
8. Like Minds (1) Vs Nasarawa (2 ) Area 3 DAY THREE Fixtures For Monday , Oct 24 2022 Destiny FC vs Setraco (10am) OPG EFCC Vs Mahanaim (12noon ) – OPG Nurudeen FC Vs FWC (2pm ) – OPG IB Sports Dreams Vs City (4pm) OPG

Doma vs Wikki (2 pm) Area 3

Mailantarki vs Like Minds ( 4pm) Area 3

The Chairman of Nasarawa United FC of Lafia, Barrister Isaac Danladi has given reasons why his club is participating in the 2022 Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 16th to 23rd October.

Responding to the visit of the State Commissioner for Sports Ambassador Lucky Isaac Yargwa, to Club’s training ground on Wednesday, Barr. Isaac Danladi, who expressed the appreciation of the entire Management and Staff of the Club for the Commissioner’s visit, said their participations in the Unity Preseason Tournament is for absolute concentration, devoid of any distractions.

“You can see we are making efforts to go for the Abuja Unity Preseason Tournament where we ended as runners-up last season. This is to enable us have full concentration and avoid all sorts of distractions and detractors.

“We only intend to replace a few number of our players who left us after the end of last Season.

“Whoever doesn’t have any business to be here with us will have to give us some space to allow us concentrate.

“From the Abuja Unity Preseason Tournament, we intend to proceed to Kaduna and Jos, respectively, for further closed-door campings.

“This will enable us have access to the state-of-the-art facilities needed to keep our players abreast of the main tasks ahead.”

The Lafia-based side will feature in the 2nd edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament in Abuja, which kicks off this weekend, at the same venue they emerged runners-up last year, behind Plateau United FC

Nasarawa United FC beat the odds to finish the 2021/22 NPFL Season on 6th position.

But for the abrupt end of the 2022 Aiteo Federation Cup, the team was on the verge of making a second consecutive finals’ appearance after booking a last-eight place against regional neighbours, Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi.

Mid November, 2022, has been fixed, tentatively, by the League Management Company, LMC, for the commencement of the new NPFL Season, and the Solid Miners are leaving nothing unturned ahead of the campaign as they have lined up series of activities to keep both the players and officials afloat before the beginning of the 2022/2023 NPFL Season.

Nasarawa United will play the opening game of the 2022 Unity Preseason Tournament on Monday, when they trade tackles with NNL new entrants Mailantarki Care FC at the Area 3 pitch by 10am.

The Organizers of the 2022 Unity Preseason Tournament have announced three Abuja based media outfits as their Media Partners in this year’s edition of the tournament.

Announcing this at the weekend, the General Coordinator of the Tournament Patrick Ngwaogu said the relationship was arrived at after proper assessment of the services that the organizations will render to tournament.

According to him, the decision was based on the experiences of the organizations in Sports, and other services they have rendered in past.

He was optimistic that the three organizations would support in properly projecting the tournament to the public.

Quoting his words, Ngwaogu who was the former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said “the Unity Preseason Tournament is a program that has come to stay. We would continue to work hard to take it to perfection. We want to make the tournament which is in its second edition a force to reckon with in the country”.

Ngwaogu said the unstable football calendar remains one of the major challenges facing organizers of Preseason Tournaments in country “sincerely, the unstable football calendar is a problem of its own in the organization of Preseason Tournaments.

“As it is now, all the organizers are just assuming in whatever they doing in ensuring that our teams perform adequately before the season begins. But, no one knows the actual time the season will begin. While in the real sense, Preseasons are supposed to be the in last 60 days before the commencement of the new season.

“But, we would get there one day . Rome was not built in a day. It a matter of time ” the former Abia Warriors Sporting Director concluded.

The Unity Preseason Tournament holds in Abuja from 16th to 23rd October, with 12 teams participating.

According to the General Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu, the invited teams have started confirming their participation and readiness for the tournament.

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said teams like Nasarawa United who were runners up in last year’s edition have confirmed their participation, Lobi Stars have also confirmed, City FC, Wikki Tourists, EFCC, Like-Minds FC and Mailantarki have all confirmed their participation and readiness to be part of the tournament.

The former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said within the week, teams like Rangers, Abia Warriors, Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes, Doma and Gombe Utd will all confirm their participations to enable the organizers finalize all logistics arrangements.

Ngwaogu promised that the kits and media partners of the tournament will be announced within the week.

The Unity Preseason Tournament is aimed at providing teams the opportunity to adequately prepare for the new football season. Plateau United are the defending champions.