Major General Taritimiye Gagariga reveals plans for grassroots volleyball

 

Board member of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga says he is passionate about the growth and development of volleyball at the grassroots level.

Major General Gagariga disclosed this at the end of the three days Kontagora Volleyball Challenge, grassroots tournament held in the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Kontagora in Niger State from 27th to 31st October 2021.

He revealed that his focus is to ensure youths who are yet to have the opportunity to participate in the centralised top level volleyball competitions in the Country would have an avenue to play the game in their various localities.

He said, "I am passionate about the growth of volleyball at the lowest level which is the grassroot. No sporting nation can excel without the continuous production of players at the grassroots level.

"All the elite players you see today did not just become star players; they started from the grassroots and this is why my focus is the continued organization of local competitions where new talents are discovered. 

"Everyone cannot play in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League or National Division 1 League; so we commenced the grassroots competition in Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia in September 2018. 

"We  continued in 2019 and the grassroots challenge has visited Zaria, Abuja, Jos and Bauchi where serious competitions were organized and conducted. The Kontagora Challenge is one other opporrunity for other volleyball players to showcase their hidden talents. Indeed, we have been able to produce players for the Nigerian National Teams and the Premier League within the 3 years since we began.

 "All grassroots players thus look towards participating in the bigger leagues in Nigeria so they take our local challenges seriously as coaches and other technical persons observe them well."

Maj General Gagariga commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for creating an enabling environment for the game to thrive.

He said, "Engineer Musa Nimrod has done his possible best for the game of volleyball to become popular in Nigeria and Africa. It is now left for other volleyball philanthropists and enthusiasts to compliment on what he has started. Together, we can all keep the game alive."

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.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Oyedele inspires MFM to earn bragging rights against Remo Stars

 

Remo Stars was brought down to earth on Tuesday at the ongoing Ottasolo Pre-season tournament in Lagos after suffering a 1-0 defeat against MFM of Lagos.

Coming on the heels of their win at the just concluded Ogunjobi Gold Cup where the newly promoted side defeated Shooting Stars 4-0 in the final, Remo Stars was expected to give MFM a run for their money and the game really lived up to expectation.  

Remo arrived Lagos with a changed team from the one that won in Ikenne, Ogun State, with the players showing that they have what it takes to be in the first team.

Adebayo Oyedele was the hero for the Olukoya Boys, scoring the only goal of the game in the 47th minute as MFM earned the South/West derby bragging rights. 

Remo Stars goalkeeper, James Faith, had failed to get a grip on Mumuni Amoo’s shot, allowing Oyedele to put the ball at the back of the net.

The first opportunity of the game came the way of MFM as early as the 5th minute of the lively encounter, as James saved Dennis Obasi shot.

The Lagos-based side continued to pile on the pressure on their opponents but Remo Stars were also resolute.

Victor Osuagwu had the chance to put Remo Stars in front in the 23rd minute but failed to score as Onyeabuchi Ifeanyi intercepted the ball.

In the 35th minute, James Faith denied Dennis Obasi the chance to score with a fine save as the first half ended goalless.

MFM however took the lead in the second minute of the second half with Oyedele’s goal.

All efforts by Remo to get the equalizer was futile as the game ended 1-0.

Day 3 of the Ottasolo Pre-season tourney will see Ottasolo FC taking on Lobi Stars in the first game by 9am with 36 Lion playing against Yobo FC by 2pm. The final game of the day will be between Remo Stars and Smart City by 4pm.

All the games will take place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

MFM FC, Lobi Stars record morale boosting victories on Day Two of Ottasolo Preseason Tourney

 

Surulere continued to be on the spotlight as the second day of the 2021 Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament took place on Tuesday at Legacy Pitch.

It was Lobi Stars of Makurdi who faced Yobo FC in an entertaining opening match of the day at 9am.

Both sides were hoping to bag a win in the keenly contested battle.

However, Yobo FC could not contain their fast-paced opponents as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss.

Lobi Stars rested most of their key players, yet they remained a threat.

Experienced striker Daniel Jackson climbed off the bench to nod home the winner with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The win for Pride of Benue over the NLO side in the tournament takes them to top of the Group A standings with three points from one game, while Ottasolo FC and 36 Lion share one point apiece.

In the second match, coach Gbenga Ogunbote led his Remo Stars' side in search of a win over MFM FC, yet they failed to hit the ground running.

In the 23rd minute, Victor Osuagwu had the chance to put Sky Blue Stars in front but he failed to score as Onyeabuchi Ifeanyi intercepted his effort.

Remo Stars custodian James Faith denied Dennis Obasi the chance to wreck the ship with a fine save.

Adebayo Oyedele eventually got onto the score sheet in the 47th minute as the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Olukoya Boys.

The loss leaves Ogunbote and his troops with no point in Group B. Sunshine Stars and MFM FC have three points each. Smart City are also pointless. 

Meanwhile, the Remo Stars will now turn their focus to Smart City for their next clash on Wednesday whilst 36 Lion chase a win against Yobo FC on the same day. 

Ottasolo FC will be out to dim Lobi Stars in a pulsating encounter at Legacy Pitch.

Results So Far 

MatchDay 1 Monday Nov. 1

Ottasolo 0-0 36 Lion

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Smart City

MatchDay 2 Tuesday Nov. 2

Lobi Stars 1-0 Yobo FC

MFM FC 1-0 Remo Stars

MatchDay 3: Wednesday Nov. 3

9am - Ottasolo vs Lobi Stars

2pm - 36 Lion vs Yobo FC

4pm - Remo Stars vs Smart City

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Lobi Stars overcome determined Yobo FC

 

Lobi Stars started the Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament on a good note as Eddy Dombraye's side snatched a 1-0 win against Yobo FC on Tuesday morning.

The Pride of Benue struggled to get themselves into top gear in the opening 45 minutes at Legacy Pitch as Oliver David and Shedrack Kaye missed Yobo's best chances before the break.

Dombraye's Stars did looked to step up the tempo of the game after the restart with Chinonso Okonkwo lashing an effort just over the bar.

However, with the Lagos based side beginning to feel the pressure, usual suspect Daniel Jackson netted the winner on 78 minutes.

A loose ball was kept alive inside the final third by Austin Ogunye who crossed for the onrushing Jackson to head home the breakthrough.

Yobo FC came close to levelling up in the 82nd minute through Muhammed Adam but goalkeeper Orya Joseph denied him with a point blank save.

Another curled effort from Godwin Arewa was repelled by the impressive Orya five minutes later.

At the end of proceedings, Stars had three points in the kitty.

Akinwunmi announces scholarship to four Ekiti State Cadet Team players

 

... Hails Olanlege on positive drive with Ekiti FA

Four outstanding players of the Ekiti State Cadet Team are to receive a year scholarship courtesy of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Akinwunmi who was among the VIP guests at the maiden epoch-making Ekiti State Football Association Merit Awards told reporters in his speech, as he also commended the leadership qualities of Ekiti State FA Chairman, Bayo Olanlege who he said has taken football to a new level in the state.

"I want to firstly pour encomiums on Olanlege and his board members, as regards what they have done for the development of football in the state with a short space of time is massive.

"I also want to thank Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President of Nationwide League One (NLO) club, FC Ebedei for the expose he gave in the lecture he delivered on how he has been raking in on his investment in grassroot football. I now know how I can make money when I finish my tenure on the board of the NFF.

"It's a pleasure to see what encourages the youths because football is about grassroot. A lot of people think football in Nigeria is about the Super Eagles or Super Falcons, to be candid the game is about the youths, encouraging, rewarding and recognition. 

"What Ekiti FA has done by organizing the merit awards is terrific as it's about recognizing, rewarding and encouraging hard work.

"Delighted to see that the four players (boys) nominated for the Best U-13 Player of the Year were given scholarships by Ekiti FA. Let me state, that my foundation (Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation) will award them a one-year scholarship that will run for next year.

"I hope by next year when we come to Ado Ekiti to celebrate with Olanlege in the second edition of Ekiti State Football Association Merit Award, we'll have a greater course to honour the Lord Almighty."

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.

Ex Rivers Angels striker, Georgewill Ibinabo announces arrival to Confluence Queens with Top Scorer Award

 

There couldn't have been a better for a player to join a new side than how one of the hottest strikers in Nigerian women's football, Georgewill Ibinabo when as she teamed up with Confluence Queens from league champions, Rivers Angels.

Ibinabo who joined the New Direction Queens during the just concluded Flying Officers Cup tournament in Abuja netted three goals and provided an assist to beat her teammate Mercy Omokwu and Edo Queens striker Emem Essien to the prestigious top scorer's award at the Tournament.

Chairman of Confluence Queen Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly received the new signing Ibinabo with her highest goal scorer award in office on Monday, 1st November, 2021.

 

Honorable Dolly praised the former Rivers Angels striker for bringing the top scorer award to Kogi and also tasked her to keep scoring when the league resume in December to win same award in the NWPL.

"I am delighted to see my player winning individual award of this nature.  It's a sign of greater thing ahead, I want you to see this award as a motivation going into the league, I wish you best of luck and hope you finish as the league top scorer in NWPL at the end of the season". Dolly said.

Ibinabo who thanked the chairman and the management for the opportunity to join the team promised to continue doing her best to make the team proud. 

"I want to appreciate everyone at Confluence Queens for the warm reception I have received so far. I feel happy at my new home and I will do my best not to disappoint everyone."

Confluence Queens will battle in the Group A of the NWPL which kicks off December 8 with home game against Pelican Stars of Calabar at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Ajagbe inspires Sunshine Stars to outsmart Smart City on Day One

 

Substitute Azeez Ajagbe netted a late goal as Sunshine Stars defeated Smart City 1-0, while 36 Lion and Ottasolo FC drew 0-0 on the opening day of the 2021 Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament at Legacy Pitch on Monday.

Sunshine Stars have a much-changed squad for the tournament but managed to seal a narrow victory in a game of few chances in Group B.

Hadi Mohammed criminally missed a begging opportunity for Stars late in the first stanza.

Smart City also threatened, but it was Owena Whales who took the lead few minutes from time.

Ajagbe managed to get his strike beyond the Smart City keeper in the 85th minute.

Meanwhile, Ottasolo FC and 36 Lion played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the day.

Ottasolo were reduced to 10 men when Hammed Egbedeyi received a deserved red card.

But 36 Lion didn't make their numerical supremacy count as both sides shared the spoils. 

Action continues on Tuesday when the first games in Group B are played.

Lobi Stars are up against Yobo FC in the first clash (9am) and both sides will be eager to make a winning start in what could be a tight group.

The second game will see in-form Remo Stars face MFM FC at 3pm. 

The top two teams in each of the groups advance to the semifinals.

Road to Qatar 2022: Ighalo returns as Rohr invites 24 Super Eagles for Liberia, Cape Verde duels

It is no longer a rumour about the return of Odion Ighalo to Super Eagles as Coach Gernot Rohr has included the Saudi based striker among the 24 players invited for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde later in the month.

 Among the invited 23 other players include team captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, forwards Moses Simon and Victor Osumhen, as well as 16 others.

The Super Eagles will tackle the Lone Star of Liberia at the Grand Stade Tangier in Morocco on Saturday, 13th November and then fly into Lagos for the final group game against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, 16th November.

Top of their pool with nine points but hotly chased by seven-pointer Cape Verde who host Central African Republic on the island of Mindelo, the Eagles need the three points against the Lone Star on the neutral turf of Morocco’s principal northern city to remain on firm ground when hosting the Blue Sharks three days later in Nigeria’s commercial and industrial capital.

 

Leicester City of England’s midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the last round of games home-and-away against Central African Republic, is back in the trough, just as fellow Premiership boy Alex Iwobi and Spain-based forward Samuel Chukwueze.

 

Coach Rohr has this time extended invitation 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ top scorer Odion Jude Ighalo, who announced his retirement from the international game following that AFCON feat in Egypt.  

 

The invited players and overseas-based members of the technical crew are to report directly to the city of Tangier on Monday, 8^th November while technical officials from Nigeria are to report in Tangier the same day.

EAGLES FOR LONE STAR & BLUE SHARKS

 

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

 

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

 

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

 

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

 

Organizers praise Optima Energy, clubs, others over Ogunjobi Gold Cup success

 

Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have expressed their sincere thanks to its proud sponsor, Optima Energy, after a successful hosting of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament.

Remo Stars defeated their Southwest derby rival Shooting Stars 4-0 to become champions of the 9th edition of the tourney which was co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen who expressed his delight said, "The success recorded during the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne and Sagamu can not be overemphasized, but this could not have been achieved without the huge support from Honourable Kunle Soname, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President FC Ebedei and a top brand like Optima Energy.

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and other VIPs that attended the final.

"FIFA and CAF certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited for a good job done on the FC Ebedei Stadium which hosted some matches.

"Our other partners, European Football Scouting Platform based in Finland, Afripro and the duo Nigeria indigenous sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear who were also part of our success story.

"Not forgetting also, the participating clubs and their coaches, 2017 champion Niger Tornadoes, MFM FC, FC Ebedei, FC Yobo and Beyond Limits, who used the platform to showcase the football talents we have in the three tiers of our domestic leagues and prepare their teams for the new Nigerian football season.

"We also want to thank the board of Ogun State Football Association lead by Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for giving the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand the enabling environment to thrive.

"Also the beautiful game of football can not be complete without match officials, we want to thank as they were professional in their duties all through the tournament.

"Furthermore, I want to thank members of the Sporting media in Nigeria for professionalism and delivery of contents of the pre-season tournament."

The country's first pre-season tournament is also proudly supported by Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Club, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: 10-man Ottasolo hold 36 Lion

 

The eagerly-awaited Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament, began with a 0-0 draw in a game between Ottasolo International Football Club and 36 Lion on Monday morning.

The opener at Legacy Pitch saw Ottasolo picking up a red card.

36 Lion had nothing to show for it in front of goal as they were held by a resolute Ottasolo side. 

The young boys played fluid football and high pressure off the ball. And inside five minutes they could've been ahead. Azeez Oseni whipped the ball across the box but Moses Usor couldn't quite get the contact to tap home from close range at the near post.

Peter John was presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring but his close range effort could not hit the target. 

Ottasolo goalie Korede Shodipo was at alert to deny Moses who whipped home a wicked free kick.

It was a physical battle between the two sides, with 36 Lion better in terms of possession.

Ifeanyi Ogba had a chance in the 24th minute as he fired one from the edge of the box against woodwork.

Peter and Ogba combined well to set Matiti Ibrahim up in the box but the midfielder's close range effort sailed wide.

Oseni was one of the Lion's brighter sparks. He produced another cross, this time deep, which fell to Moses at the back post in the 32nd minute, but he could only volley his effort wide. 

Ottasolo came closest to drawing the curtain raiser, eight minutes into the second stanza through Ogba who failed to make the right connection.

Ottasolo's Hammed Egbedeyi received the second booking and was sent off on the hour mark.

Ifeanyi Hemekwele was guilty of a shocking miss and would have converted with ease for Lion in the 62nd minute.

Odom Chikah thought he had given 36 Lion the lead after beating goalkeeper Korede Shodipo but it was correctly ruled out for offside.

The match ended goalless as least both sides played some attractive technically good football and their game was far more easy on the eye.

The tournament continues in the afternoon with Sunshine Stars facing Smart City. Kickoff is 3pm.

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.