Sports
Kogi Community Keys Into FIFA’s Initiative As 12 Teams Battle For Unity Cup
By Salifu Usman, Abuja
In a bold move to discover and groom young talents in line with FIFA’s grassroots developmental initiative, Oganenigu Unity Cup has kicked off in Oganenigu, Dekina local government area of Kogi State.
The community-based unity tournament which was flagged off during the weekend with the opening match between Odolu-Efu FC and Ajachaga FC in Odolu-Efu will climax on December 27, 2023, with 12 teams from the community battling for Honours.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Comrade Abel Baba, said the tournament designed to create peaceful coexistence, unity, and patriotism among people of the community is also aimed at creating job opportunities for the teeming youth and eliminating youth restiveness using the instrumentality of football.
“Sport is a unifying factor that binds people together irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination. As a group, we are committed to the development of sports and we will continue to use it to create jobs and engage the youths for peace and unity in this era of security challenges.”
On his part, the deputy chairman of the organizing committee and former Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon.Prophet Akache Abimaje, said the committee hopes to use the tournament to spot budding talents to assist them grow in their football career. “This is the first time the community is organizing such a football competition.”
The systematic promotion of grassroots football has always been one of FIFA’s priorities to bring football to as many people as possible, thus addressing one of the world body’s missions: “to develop the game”.
It is on bases that expertises and enthusiasts alike are excited that the Oganenigu Unity Cup is a driving force for the development and empowerment of teeming youths.
The first match saw Odolu-Efu wallop Ajachaga 3-0 just as Aloko FC thrash arch-rivals Ugbabo 2-0 in the second match of Day 1.
Sports
Sylla’s double deliver victory for Mahanaim FC over FC Sarkin Darki
Mahanaim FC had a busy Thursday evening against FC Sarkin Darki before super-sub Mohammed Sylla delivered two late goals which earned the ‘Hot Boys’ a hard-fought home victory over the visitors.
Sylla’s goals in the 89th minute and 95th minute were enough to confirm superiority of the ‘Hot Boys’ over the difficult opponents.
Coach Saheed Jimoh opted for an entirely different line-up to the team that beat Greenlock FC fortnight ago. The match against FC Sarkin Darki is a two legged affair with Mahanaim FC hosting the first leg on their temporary home turf at the Brown Check School on Chikakore junction, Kubwa, Abuja.
The attack led by Mamoudou Batchily, Monday Abdul and Ifechukwu James did everything else but couldn’t find the back of the net, as the first half ended goalless.
Both teams threw in fresher legs in the second half as the game searched for a goal. Coach Saheed Jimoh then decided to use another trick from the book as he switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-4 formation, throwing in mote attackers, including match winner Mohammed Sylla.
Sylla broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, reacting first to lose ball in box to beat the goalkeeper. This late goal buoyed the ‘Hot Boys’ and their fans, while the opponents were heartbroken as Mahanaim searched for more.
Sylla’ again roofed another shot into the back of the from close range after a well timed pass. He almost scored a third goal before the referee decided to end the game at 2-nil; and meanwhile, another game charger was Abdullahi Shuaibu who came on in the second half provided the assists for Mohammed Sylla. This result continued Mahanaim FC’s good run in 2025 with two wins, from two matches.
Starting XI: Christopher Edoh-Gk, Sabiu Abdullahi-RB, Manga Joshua-LB (Prince Sabo LB) Ikoh Danjuma-DM, Khalifa Imam-CB, Destiny Anthony-CB, Samad Adejumo-DM, Emmanuel Elijah-AM (Abdullahi Dahiru-RW) Ifechukwu James-RW (Mohammed Sylla-RW), Monday Abdul-LW ( Abdullahi Shuaibu-LW)
Mamoudou Batchily-CF (Fowler Boris-CF)
Subs
Marcus Haruna-DM
Folder Boris-CF
Mohammed Sylla-RW
Abdullahi Dahiru-RW
Abdullahi Shuaibu-LW
Prince Sabo-LB
Emma Adi-LW
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