NFF’s Chairman of Chairmen, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ commends organisers of Unity Preseason Tourney, says medical support will be start of more to come

 

Olaoluwa Aro

The newly elected Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf 'Fresh' has saluted the efforts of the Unity Preseason Tourney organizers, for putting together a successful preseason event, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

EFCC of Abuja emerged champions of the tournament, as they walked tightly against Nasarawa United to lift the trophy of the second edition of the annual Preseason Tournament. 

The second edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament has been described as one of highly competitive football showpiece in the North Central, owing to the fact that, top clubs in Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL) and Nigeria National League ( NNL), within the circuit of this Geopolitical zone, have made it a point of reference, for preparing themselves, ahead of the new season(s) respectively. 

In a telephone conversation with Comrade Ahmed Yusuf, who was obviously busy with other grassroots engagement in his state, but distantly monitored almost 75% of all the games at this year’s edition of Unity Preseason event.

Fresh euphorically maintains his commitment toward the Unity Cup project, while hailing the idea behind the event, as he shared his views on the event. 

" Unity Preseason Tourney is platform for Nigerian clubs through which opportunities are provided to test the readiness of the new players and equally asses them. I followed all the updates from the beginning and I am confident, the purpose of this preseason tournament is being achieved without hyperbole" he noted but continued by saying;

" The organizers sought for my contributions and I picked up the Medical aspect, because that area is usually neglected in organization of football event. 

“It's noteworthy to make Medical personnel services available at Match venues, even though, no body prays for a mishap but as someone who organizes grassroot events, I don't pay less regard to the Medical units,  so that the entire Football program wouldn't be stained with an emergency, and to avoid anything that can vitiate it as well" he said, while cogently explaining his unavailability at the finals.

"  I was invited to watch one of the Quarter final matches on Thursday but I rain-check it because of the final but painfully, I didn't grace this year's final as I had to join other NFF's executives at Ibadan on national assignment, " said the Former NFF Technical and Development Committee Chairman. 

This year's edition of Unity Preseason Tourney had four groups with 13 teams and matches were played at two venues, which are Area 10 football pitch and Area 3 as well. 

The final of the second edition was between Nasarawa United, one of the Nigeria Professional Football League Sides( NPFL) and EFCC of Abuja, a household name amongst the Nigeria National League ( NNL) Teams in North Central. 

The Solid Miners lost 4-3 on penalties to the Anti graft Agency Football team after normal duration ended in a one all draw.  

Historically, Nasarawa United lost two consecutive finals of the Unity Preseason Tournament since the birth of the competition. In 2021, Plateau United defeated the Lafia-based team by lone goal.

Maxisports CEO appreciates Dikko, Fresh, Bosso, others for gracing Unity Cup final

Secretary of this year's organizing committee of the just concluded Unity Preseason Cup competition in Abuja Olaoluwa Aro has expressed gratitude to their sponsors and special guests, who took out time to attend the maiden edition of the tournament; whilst also praising them for their support for a successful ending of the week-long tourney. 

Speaking to the press to show his gratitude to the guests, CEO of a Renowned Sports agency, MaxisSports International  Olaoluwa Aro who was equally elated, personally took out time to thank the dignitaries who graced the occasion. 

"I want to humbly thank all our sponsors and partners for the successful hosting of this competition and we are glad we were able to unite the clubs around the North cause the event was a way of fostering UNITY on and off the field whilst also giving the fans in Abuja something to cheer about. 

" I also want to appreciate the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC)  Mallam Shehu Dikko who compressed his tight schedule to honour the final, not also forgetting Alhaji Ahmed Fresh the leader of the North Central Football fraternity who was ever-present all through the competition;  and also the Chairman of the Club Owners Association, Issac Danladi and the Secretary of the association,  Alloy Chukwuemeka respectively. 

"My appreciation also goes to the president of Nigerian Football Coaches Association, in the person of Ladan Bosso, and of course,  the Deputy Director- Technical and Scouting of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Former Flying Eagles Coach Paul Aigbogun,  while also recognizing the presence of

the Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association,  Patrick Pascal (MON).

" Lastly, I also want to thank Robert Akpenpuun Chairman VLGFC, and ex-International Garba Lawal(MON), not also forgetting Mr Phemmy Adetunla, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and a renowned journalist, as well as all members of the Press, for their relentless support and effort."

Plateau United were crowned champions of the maiden edition after they piped Nasarawa United 1-0 in the final.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Its an all NPFL semifinals

 

Wikki Tourists FC and Katsina United on Thursday picked the remaining two slots to make it an all NPFL teams semi finals at the ongoing Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja. 

The tournament which Started with 12 teams has seen the elite division clubs showing their class, despite initial set backs to the lower division teams, to emerge at the last four. Thereby, separating the men from the boys. 

The last match of the Group C which was played between Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Katsina United lived up to expectations, and watched by capacity crowd which included the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, NFF Technical Department members Paul Aigbogun, and Garba Lawal, Nigeria Football Coaches Association Chairman and National U. 20 coach, Ladan Bosso, Super Eagles Coordinator Patrick Pascal, former National team Coach James Peters among others, saw both teams  qualifying for the Semi Final of the Unity Pre Season tournament in style after settling for a goalless draw. 

Wikki Tourists garnered 7points and +7goals advantage to top group C, while Katsina United finished as best losers with same points with lesser goals advantage. 

Wikki Tourists will now take on Plateau United in one of the Semi Finals  tomorrow Friday 5/11/2021

by 4pm at the Area 3 playing ground, while the first Semi Final by 2pm  same day will be between Nasarawa United and Katsina United. 

The final of the tournament has been slated for Sunday 7th November 2021 at the Area 3 playing pitch.

FOSLA captain sees Unity Preseason Tourney as platform to sprout

 

Captain of Nationwide League One, NLO side, Fosla Football Club of Abuja, Peter Shedrack Brahimo has  described the preseason as a nice tournament, and one that will give his youthful team the needed experience to excel in the round leather game. 

Speaking after putting up exceptional performance in their second match against Cynosure FC at the on going Unity Preseason Tournament, the 300 level student of Nasarawa University Keffi, "We the young ones who are yet to play professional football, it is a good avenue to develop our talents.”

He further disclosed that his team has a lot of respect for all the especially the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, but, they fear none. He however said they are ready to learn from the big players and move hard to attain their levels immediately they finished their academic pursuit. 

On their last group match against Nasarawa United, the Edo state born goalkeeper said “We are not afraid of them (Nasarawa United). There is no reason for us to get jittery. We will come out, work and pray; God will give us the victory.

“For sure, if we make use of our chances, we will be victorious,” the Nasarawa State University undergraduate said.

On his excellent performance against Cynosure FC, he said he only did his best while God took charge of the rest.

“It is God Almighty. I did the best I can and God did the rest,” he said.

He noted that the draw was not the result the team planned for but added that the they will work on their lapses as they face Nasarawa United

“It was not a bad result. We came to win but at the same time, we did not lose the match. It was good, though that was not the result we wanted but we still have one match left against a bigger side.

“We will go back, check on our lapses and improve.”

Unity Preseason Cup: Wikki's improvement delights Dogo, hails organizers for a hitch free tourney

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Head Coach of NPFL side Wikki Tourist, Kabiru Dogo has hailed his side's solid display in their second group game of the Unity Preseason Tournament after they brushed aside NYSC Strikers 4-0 on Tuesday afternoon to record their second win in Group C. 

Having defeated Capital City FC 3-0 in their opening game on Sunday, the Bauchi based side showed their supremacy once again on Tuesday afternoon as they took out NYSC Strikers to make it maximum points from group C. 

Speaking after another brilliant performance, Dogo hailed his players' solid display whilst also praising the level of organizations at the Unity Preseason Tournament. 

“Rhere has been an improvement from my side, in our first game we won 3-0 but today scored one goal better although it's not about the goals, but the way we play. Today the boys were more composed and played better. 

“On the tournament, I must give commendations to the organizers of this tournament, the competition lived up to its billing, the teams are playing well and we are getting to the business end already where every team wants to win every match,’ Coach Dogo added. 

The former Sunshine Stars of Akure gaffer further posited that the tournament will serve as a perfect shape up for his lads ahead of the new season stating that his boys are almost ready for the new NPFL season. 

Wikki Tourist will next face Katsina United in their last group game with the winner of the encounter all but securing passage into the semifinals of the competition.

Unity Preseason Tournament : Cool/Nigeria Info /Wazobia FM To Take Matches Live

 

One of Nigeria's vibrant radio stations, Cool/Nigeria Info /Wazobia FM has agreed to take some live matches in the on going Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja.

In a message to the organizers of the tournament, the prominent Radio station said they are happy to be associated with the organizers of the tournament which eventually is the first in region.

Quoting their words, they said "we are glad to let you know know that we will provide content discussions around the Unity Preseason Tournament, using Abuja major Football show, Football Republik on 99.5FM on Wazobia FM. We will also take matches live if it falls with in the shows. It's our believe that the Unity Preseason Tournament will raise the bar and put Abuja back on the map of football nationally" the letter was signed by the Head of Sports, Abuja, Olubunmi Haruna.

Responding to the gesture, the Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu was full of appreciation to the management of the Radio station for believing in the organizers of the tournament, moreover, been the first edition. He said that tournament has come to stay, and will continue to get better on yearly base until it becomes the pride of the Capital city.

Mr Ngwaogu who was the former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also used the opportunity to thank residents of FCT and North Central for the acceptability and promised not to disappoint them.

The tournament which entered the fourth on Tuesday, will see Mavlon FC trying to redeem themselves against 2021 AITEO cup finalists Nasarawa United, while former NPFL Champions Plateau United will settle scores with Sokoto United, Wikki Tourists and NYSC FC tackle each other. The final match of the day will be between the toast of Abuja fans Fosla FC and Cynosure FC of Abakaliki.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Wikki Tourists, Fosla FC record first win

 

... As Simonben FC inch closer to semifinals 

Wikki Tourists and FOSLA Academy on Monday won their first matches in the ongoing Unity Cup Preseason Tournament after they overpowered Capital City FC and Mavlon FC respectively.

Kabiru Adeniji got the curtain raiser for Wikki Tourist in the 34th minute when his well anticipated shot from a  build up with  Taye Muritala beat the opponent goalkeeper hands down.

 Anas Yusuf made it two for the Wikki boys in the 81st minutes and completed his brace three minutes later

A visibly excited Dogo challenged his lads to do better in the remaining games and he revealed that the games at the pre-season tourney would help his team prepare adequately for the new season.

Earlier in the first match of the day, Nationwide League side Fosla FC took early charge in group A of the Tournament as defeated another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC by 1-0 win. 

The encounter saw both sides playing brilliantly with Fosla been more forceful. 

The goal that separated the two teams came from a beautifully taken free kick from Fosla's  winger Mohammed Abdullahi (Kekere) was tapped into the net by Abdulsallam Abdullahi after the goalkeeper dropped off the ball. Fosla FC in their characteristics paraded all Undergraduate students of Nasarawa University Keffi. 

In the last match of the day, WACO FC surrendered their earlier lead to lose 2-1 to Simoniben FC of Kaduna. 

Hassan Abdullahi put WACO FC in the lead but Sadiq Abdullahi and Brooks Emmanuel netted one goal each in the second half to ensure the team owned by Nantes FC winger, Moses Simon earned maximum points from two games.

On Tuesday, Katsina United will test their might against NYSC Strikers in the sole match of the day.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Fosla Academy pips Mavlon FC to top Group A

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nationwide League side Fosla Academy took early charge in group A of the Unity Preseason Tournament as they showed their superiority over another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC following a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon. 

In what was the fourth game of the Preseason tournament in Abuja, both sides came into the encounter knowing that a win will put them in the driving seat following the earlier draw recorded on matchday one between Nasarawa United and Cynosure FC. 

Fosla were the better side from the blast of the whistle and almost made their dominance count in the 11th minute when a mix up in the defence line of Mavlon FC almost saw Agbo Isaac put through his own goal but the defender’s blushes were spared with the ball rolling out for a corner kick. 

Seven minutes later, Fosla took the lead, winger Mohammed Abdullahi fires in a promising freekick but a mistake from the goalkeeper saw him drop the ball with the ball falling into the calm feet of AbdulSalam Abdullahi who tapped home for 1-0. 

The goal brought out the best from Mavlon FC who twice came close to finding the equaliser halfway through the half but lanky striker Salim Fagbo failed to keep his shots down a blazed over the bar. 

The away side then continued to pressure for the equaliser before the break but a swift interchange between striker Fagbo and left-back Emmanuel failed to trouble the goalkeeper with the first half ending 1-0 in favour of Fosla Academy. 

The second 45 minutes then saw Mavlon FC make a double substitution as the duo of Elijah Entom and Aboje Omale were introduced with the away side in search of an equaliser. 

Not satisfied with the lone goal lead, the home side introduced Solomon Abraham as the striker almost had the dream entrance as he raced through on goal but his efforts flashed wide much to the relief of the Mavlon goalkeeper. 

Abraham then had yet another chance on the hour mark but he headed wide from a Mohammed Abdullahi corner with Fosla mounting on the pressure on Mavlon who were struggling to keep up with the fluidity of their opponents. 

Substitute Aboje Omale then entered the referees bad book following a reckless challenge on Onuche but the resulting freekick was blocked but a loose ball then fell to Allayi Haruna who hit a belter but the midfielders effort flew inches wide in goal. 

Abraham then had a chance to kill the game in the closing stages, but the strikers lack of composure in front of goal was his biggest undoing with Fosla holding on to seal a 1-0 win and move ahead of Nasarawa United and Cynosure in group A.

Cynosure, Nasarawa share spoils in Unity Preseason Tourney opener

 

Cynosure Football Club fought tooth and nail to snatch a point from the claws of Nasarawa United at the first match of the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament, "Unity Cup".

The encounter, which kicked off at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki Abuja lived up to expectations of every keen observer as it was packed with mixed emotions, tension, and of course, late drama.

Nasarawa United had the better of the game in the first half but were kept at arms length by Cynosure FC's defense duo of Timothy and Adeiza.

And just on the 40th minute, the Solid Miners opened the score sheet through Tola Oluwole who strikes from an unexpected position only for goalkeeper, Onu Olughu to watch on as the ball bounced and finds its way in -  hitting the side bar .

It was stunned silence for the Top Dogs and the technical crew till the blast of the referee's halftime whistle.

Cynosure resumed the second half in high spirit and had few unconverted chances with Goja Lawrence and Kenneth Nze trying their luck from far distance.

The game came to life as Festus Allen's inspired changes saw the Top Dogs brimming with confidence once again.

All hopes seems lost until James Pope who came late on for Kenneth Nze - weaved into space and stabbed home from six yards after a beautifully worked corner kick from Joseph and Chimamkpa in the 90th minute.

 *NEXT MATCH* 

Cynosure FC - Fosla FC

Time - 12 PM

Date - November 1, 2021. 

© Cynosure Football Club

Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, others arrive Abuja for Unity Preseason Tournament

 

Nasarawa United on Friday became the first Premiership club to arrive Abuja for the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in the Capital city from 30th October to 5th November 

Speaking to the team before their departure on Friday, Nasarawa United Chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi, stated that the Preseason tournament would give his team the opportunity to test their new recruits ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season.

"Yes, the Preseason tourney is Kick-starting  on Saturday in Abuja, and it's a good preparation ground for us ahead of the new football season.

"The beauty of this tournament is the fact that it has in it top flight teams within the North Central Zone of the country, including former league champions, Plateau United FC.

"There are also Katsina United as well as Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi and other top second division clubs.

"Also, this tourney will offer us a serene atmosphere to work towards our programmes for next Season because at this time, we have to be far away from distractions."

Danladi who also heads the NPFL Club Owners' Association said the Club's participation at the preseason tournament is not all about winning it but to use it to fine-tune the team ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Professional Football League Season. If we win, that's very good. If we don't win, it is good too. However we are going into the tournament with good vibes

Twelve teams split into three groups will participate in the one week-long competition.

Addressing his team before their departure, the General Manager of Plateau United Football Club of Jos Pius Henwan challenged his players to be good ambassadors as they participate in the Unity Pre-season Football Competition in Abuja.

Henwan reminded the players that they are representing Plateau State and as such , they should exhibit good conduct during the competition and do the state proud.

He explained that the team's continental aspirations start from now and challenged the players to work hard by winning the trophy at the end of the competition.

" Don't look at this Pre-season Tournament as mere friendly matches, but take it as competitive league matches because how well you do in this Competition will go a long way to determine our performance in league which kick off in few weeks .

He directed the head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to drop any player who indulge in act of indiscipline stressing that there is no room for such players in the team this time around.

He reminded the team that management will not hesitate to drop any player who fails to live up to expectation stressing that there will no room for complacency in the team this season.

Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu thanked management for the opportunity to attend the competition and assured that the team will give a good account of itself in the tournament.

Other teams that have arrived for the week long tournament are Cynosure FC, Fosla FC, NYSC Strikers, Mavlon FC, Wikki Tourists and Sokoto United. 

Hostilities with begin on Saturday with Nasarawa United tackling Cynosure FC.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Mavlon Coach Agada talking tough ahead of Fosla Academy clash

 

Ahead of his side opening game at the Unity Preseason Competition, Head coach of Nationwide League One side Mavlon FC, Felix Agada has expressed his confidence in his side’s ability to pick up maximum points when they file out against Fosla FC on Sunday. 

 

Coach Agada who had been ensuring his wards are very much ready to give a good representation of themselves stated that an opening day win will put them in a very good position to progress from group A. 

 

The Abuja-based side has been intensifying their preparations with warm-up games against the likes of EFFC, Lucky Stars, and Dominion Hotspur, with coach Felix adamant that the games have helped his side prepare adequately for the tournament. 

 

“This is going to be a very big preseason tournament for us, a chance to prove that we are ready to compete and play against some of the best teams in the country and that is exactly what we plan to do with the tournament. 

 

“Our first game will be very important to how we perform and playing against a side like Fosla won’t be easy but I am confident in the ability of my boys to deliver the results come Sunday. We have played 6 games and have been unbeaten before now and we hope to continue with that form, coach Felix stated. 

 

Similarly the club’s director of Sports, Mr. Paul Ogunlaja has also promised that his side will give a good representation at the tournament and believes his side can progress from group A despite being handed a tough draw. 

 

Mavlon FC is in group A of the tournament alongside NPFL side Nasarawa United, NNL side Cynosure, and Fosla FC. They open their campaign with a clash against Fosla on Sunday before going up against Nasarawa United and Cynosure. 

 

A total of 12 teams are taking part in the week-long preseason tournament with the top three teams from each group progressing along with the best-placed second team to the semifinals of the tournament.

Mavlon FC will compete at Unity Preseason Tournament - Ogunlaja

 

Nationwide League One side, Mavlon Football CLUB have confirmed their participation at the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament scheduled to take place in Abuja from 30th October to 5th of November. 

Based in Abuja with a youth set up in Benue State, the NLO side are very keen to rub shoulders with the big boys in the top flight of Nigerian football with the tournament expected to help them prepare better for the new season. 

A total of 12 teams are expected to participate in the week long tournament with NPFL big guns Plateau United, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, Nasarawa United and Katsina United already confirming their participation in the tourney. 

Other teams expected to compete in the week long competition are NNL side’s EFCC FC, Cynosure FC, Sokoto United, Capital City FC with the trio of Fosla FC, WACO FC and NYSC Strikers also joining  Mavlon from the NLO. 

Speaking ahead of their participation, Director of Football, Mavlon FC, Mr Paul Ogunlaja stated that the competition will further allow his team gain plenty of experience when the face teams from the NPFL and the NNL. 

Mr Ogunlaja also noted that his wards will give a very good representation of themselves stating that, Mavlon CLUB have some of the best young talents in the country and will produce lots of upsets at the week long tourney.

" We are not just going to participate in this forthcoming event but also compete like every other team because, Football belongs to the Youths and we have talented players who are battle ready to face the big Teams when the Unity Preseason tournament kick starts" Ogunlaja revealed

Mavlon Football Club are drawn in Group A alongside the Solid miners- Nasarawa United, Cynosure FC of Fosla Academy

Nasarawa United, Cynosure to get Unity Preseason Tournament into action

 

2021 AITEO cup finalists, Nasarawa United will play the opening match of the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja. The Lafia outfit, will battle giants killers Cynosure FC of Abakaliki. 

In a draw released at the weekend by the Organizing committee of the tournament, Nasarawa United who are grouped in Group A alongside two NLO sides Fosla FC and Mavlon FC 

In the second match of the opening day, former NPFL Champions Plateau United FC will be on stage against another NLO from Abuja Waco FC. The match which the Fedelis Ilechukwu will not take for granted as they will surely go out for the maximum points. Plateau United are in Group B with the likes of Sokoto Utd and EFCC FC who will square it up with each other in the last match of the first day. 

According to the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu, Katsina United, Wikki Tourists, Capital City FC and NYSC Strikers will settle scores in Group C. 

Ngwaogu who was the former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said  teams are expected to make 7 (seven) changes in a match. This he said is to enable the teams have the opportunity of assessing all their players. 

The former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said as the teams are grouped into 3 (Three) groups, of four teams each, that only one  team is expected to emerge from each  of the group  with one best loser for the semi finals. 

The man popularly know as *Odogwu Ndi Abia* , insisted that all FIFA rules governing the game of football will be applied in the tournament.

Plateau United storms Abuja for Unity Preseason Tournament

Former NPFL Champions Plateau United at the weekend confirmed their participation in the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November.

Conveying the message to the organizers of the tournament, the Technical Adviser of the team Fedelis Ilechukwu said the tournament is an opportunity for him to have a proper assessment of his team, at a competitive level before the commencement of the League season.

Ilechukwu who was the former Technical Adviser of both MFM FC and Heartland of Owerri said the timing of the tournament is most appropriate for the teams, as it will put them in a competitive frame before the 2021/2022 NPFL season begins.

Plateau United has represented the country in both the African Champions League and Confederation cup in the past.

Ahmed Fresh drums support for Unity Preseason Tournament

 

NFF Executive Board member Ahmed Fresh has thrown his support behind the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja, from 30th October to 5th November.

Ahmed Fresh, who is the National Leader cum Coordinator of the North Central Football fraternity expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the tournament, promising to mobilized all the Premiership clubs in the zone to be part of the tournament.

The CAF Committee member said, the initiative will not only give the participating teams, the opportunity to assess the quality of their new recruits, but will  provide the officials of the various clubs the avenue to share ideas that will greatly lead to the development of the game in Country. 

He however advised the organizers, to remain focused and ensure they sustain the tournament.

Responding to this gesture, the Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu thanked Alhaji Fresh who is also the Chairman of Niger State Football Association for his humility in appreciating their concept, and assured all the participants of having the best of Organization at all times. 

He confirmed that, all the Premiership clubs in the North Central are earnestly looking forward to the commencement of the tournament.

Katsina United, Cynosure FC, EFCC FC confirms Unity Preseason tournament participation

 

Premier League top flyers Katsina United FC has confirmed their participation in the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November.

Confirming this in a message to the organizers, the Team Manager of team Abdulganiu Adeleke said the tournament came at the right to enable the Coaches assess the readiness of the team ahead of the 2021 /2022 NPFL season.

He was full of appreciation to the organizers of tournament for putting together the program for teams, and believed that the aims will be achieved at the end of the day.

Also two Nigeria National League teams EFCC FC and Cynosure FC confirmed their participation in the tournament. In their separate messages, the teams said they are ready to give all the elite clubs a run for their money in the tournament.

Nasarawa United confirms participation at Unity Preseason Tourney

Nasarawa United has concluded plans to participate In the One Week Unity Pre-Season Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

This according to the Club's Media Officer Amos Eche will be  part of the team's preparations ahead of the new domestic football league season.

The AITEO cup finalist  will be joined by fellow Premiership League Sides, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. 

While Nigeria National League Clubs expected at the tournament will include , ABS, NAF, EFCC, FRSC, And Kogi United. 

According To The Coordinator Of The Tournament And Ace Journalist, Patrick Ngwaogu, tournament Is specifically meant for teams within the he North Central Part Of The Country.

Abdullahi Biffo ecstatic ahead of exciting Unity Preseason Tournament with Kwara United

 

Kwara United Head Coach Abdullahi Usman Biffo has described the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November as a good concept that is aimed at assisting teams to prepare adequately for the new season.

Biffo whose team is expected to participate in the week long tournament said he wholeheartedly support the concept as it will enable the teams assess their level of preparation before the commencement of the 2021 /2022 League season.

Quoting his words, the former Abia Warriors and Katsina United handler said "the credibility of the organizers are not in doubt and the quality of the teams invited for the tournament are worthy of giving participating teams the opportunity to prepare adequately for the task ahead. 

"If you have teams like Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes with some other lower division clubs taking part in any tournament, then that tournament will give you whatever you want to see as a coach".

He said  his team will hope to make good use of the opportunity to continue to blend their old and new players for a proper understanding. 

Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes are among the premier league clubs taking part in the tournament.

CONE Sports identify with organizers to boost Unity Preseason Tournament

 

A leading sports ware company in the country, CONE SPORTS has reached agreement with the  organizers of the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) to be the official kit partners of the tournament. The tournament holds in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

Revealing this in Abuja at the weekend, the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu expressed happiness on the milestone achieved in the agreement. 

According to him,  the company has agreed to kit the two finalists, kit the official of the teams, kit the Organizing  officials and provide the match balls. He was full of praises for the Chief Executive officer of Cone Sports, Mr. Cletus Okojie for his commitment to the development of sports in country. 

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also revealed that the Organizers have reached agreement with some hoteliers in the capital city to provide accommodate to the teams at a subsidized rate. He said the broadcast partners of tournament will also be revealed within the week. 

Teams participating in the tournament are Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. The NNL clubs will include ABS, Kogi United, EFCC FC, NAF FC and FRSC FC.

Nigerian Coaches President Drums Support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The President of Nigerian Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Isah Ladan Bosso has supported the initiative of  organizing the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bosso, who is the Head coach of the National U. 20 Male team (Flying Eagles) said the idea is well conceived and should be embraced by all invited clubs especially those in the North Central zone.

Quoting his words, the Coaches Boss said "the concept is a welcomed development which must be embraced by every club in the North Central zone to among other things assess their new acquisitions, prepare adequately, interact and share ideas with officials of other teams. I wholeheartedly support the concept and we would be ready to make the program a success " he concluded in a message to the organizers. 

The Unity Preseason Tournament will hold in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. According to the Chairman of the Organizing committee Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) about 10 teams in the North Central are expected to take part in the tournament. The teams will include Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, and Niger Tornadoes. Other NNL clubs like EFCC FC, NAF FC, Kogi United have all signified interest to be part of the tournament.