Sports

Unity Preseason Tournament : Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars Zooms Into Semifinals

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2022

Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars on Wednesday qualified for the Semifinals of the ongoing Unity Pre-season tournament holding in Abuja.

The two teams brought their experiences to bearing when they dispatched their opponents at the dot of regulation time.

The Solid Miners booked their place in the Semi-finals when returning
Central defender, Emeka Onyema, made the difference against Nigeria National League side, City FC of Abuja, after he lifted highest to nod home a Nentaka Bangs’ corner kick in the 59th minute of the tension-soaked encounter.

Former Niger Tornadoes shot-stopper, Yinka David, had to be at his best to earn United the deserved victory after severally denying the opponents from drawing level.

Obasi Dennis, Anas Yusuf, Abubakar Abdullahi and Ayuba Francis each made attempts on goal to increase United’s scoreline but were unlucky.

In the second quarter final pairings, two goals from the duo of Lobi Stars Alex Jerry and Umar Abba combined to score in both halves of the game to stop the ambition of Like-Minds FC to progress into the last 4 of this year’s Unity Soccer Tournament, Abuja 2022.

Jerry Alex was on the score sheet with just 23 minutes of play when he was clever to cover the first post to divert a pullout into the net from the right side of the attack by former Abia Warriors winger Mustapha Jubrin. The goal was his second since the start of the tournament which put Lobi Stars ahead going into the break.

In the second stanza, Mathias Samuel who has brought an unprecedented innovations into Lobi Stars midfield since signing for the Makurdi based side, the former Plateau United man created the needed environment for Umar Abba.

The Like-Minds boys fought hard and reduced the deficit to 1-2 when Gabriel Achu scored in the 79th minute to reignite comeback, though all their efforts proved abortive.

At the nick of time, goalkeeper Mustapha Alinko of Lobi Stars was assumed to have tripped junior international Onuche Ogbelu, but the referees allowed play to continue.

Both teams now awaits their opponents in the Semifinals after the two remaining games on Thursday between Mahanaim FC and Setraco FC , and EFCC against FWC Champions.

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Sports

FAME Foundation to the World: Para Athletes Need Empowerment, Not Sympathy

Published

4 hours ago

October 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The founder of FAME Foundation (Female Advocacy, Mentoring, and Empowerment), Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called on the global community to support, not pity, para athletes.

Speaking at the recently concluded Play the Game 2025 Conference held in Tampere, Finland, Atoyebi emphasized that athletes with physical challenges require empowerment, policy support, and inclusion not sympathy.

Aderonke, a fearless journalist and lifelong advocate for women and girls in sports, has consistently championed the rights of marginalized groups through her foundation.

Known for her bold and passionate advocacy, she reiterated that para athletes deserve the same opportunities and resources as their able-bodied counterparts.

The international conference, held from October 5th to 8th, brought together journalists, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss pressing issues under the theme: “Breaking Barriers in Sports: Integration of Marginalized Groups and Persons with Disabilities.”

Delivering a powerful and interactive lecture, Atoyebi stated: “I want to conclude by saying that para athletes around the globe need our support, policy reviews, and implementation—not our pity. They don’t need sympathy; what they truly need is empowerment.”

Her impactful contribution at the event further amplified Africa’s voice in the global call for inclusion, equality, and policy-driven change in the world of sports.

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