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Mahanaim FC deliver Marcus and Yahi to FK Sarajevo in twin transfer

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Mahanaim FC is proud to announce the successful completion of an historic double transfer of it’s players to FK Sarajevo, 5 time champions of the Bosnia Premier League.

Versatile 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder Marcus Haruna, alongside Ivorian midfield sensation Yahi Guy Mohammed, 18, made the direct switch at the insistence of the Bosnian club.

DURATION

The players have signed 3-year contracts, as they are expected to help FK Sarajevo achieve their objectives in the Bosnian League and other competitions.

HISTORY

This marks a historic turn for Mahanaim FC, being the first time the club will transfer more than one player to the same club at a time.

Club CEO, Mr. Simon Alfred, describes the transfer as a sign of trust, placed in the Mahanaim FC talent structure, by the football community.

“These transfer excites us as a club, having ensured that we stay true to our goals and objectives. We’re happy the boys have taken the next steps after excelling in the fundamental values passed to them. We are glad to have achieved this little piece of history with a great club like FK Sarajevo,” said Simon Alfred.

APPRECIATION

“We would like to thank FK Sarajevo for the trust and patience they displayed with us in the course of finalising these transfer. We are looking forward to a greater partnership with them and we wish them all the best in their objectives.

“These kids (Marcus Haruna and Yahi Guy Mohammed) distinguished themselves as brilliant players in the pitch and responsible young individuals off the pitch. Everyone at the club wishes them continued success in their professional career,” Simon disclosed.

VERSATILITY

Marcus, a utility player, can play in the midfield, defence, or anywhere the coach wants him to operate. Similarly, Yahi also known as ‘Doudou’ by his mates, can play as a no. 6, no. 8 or no. 10. It is one of Mahanaim FC’s philosophy to develop players with abilities to play in multiple positions.

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FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification

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Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums

Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.

Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.

In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”

He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.

“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”

Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT

Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.

“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.

Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.

“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”

The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.

He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development

As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.

“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”

Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.

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