Sports
Maikalangu, Makanjuola Back Grassroots Football Development At Game Changer Unity Cup
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has been commended for supporting grassroots football development and youth empowerment through the inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup in Abuja.
The tournament, which featured 16 teams, was held at the Stadium of Light within Covenant Garden Estate, Apo-Dutse, and ran from June 5 to August 9, 2026.
Mgbuka FC of Apo emerged champions after defeating Tyre Plaza FC 1-0 in the final, while NATA FC secured third place.
Speaking after the final, Chairman of the Abuja Automobile Spare Parts Dealers Association, Onyeka Eze, described the tournament as a major platform for bringing the people of Apo together through football.
Eze said the success of the competition had made him forget the financial sacrifices involved, stressing that the unity and happiness generated by the tournament were more important.
“This football is to unite Apo. We have been battling in this tournament for two months plus, but we made it. It has come to the end today and everybody is happy. The whole Apo is happy.”»
He also thanked residents, supporters and everyone who contributed to the success of the competition through their presence, prayers and financial support.
Also speaking, Makanjuola of Water FC, a key figure behind the tournament, described the Game Changer Unity Cup as an important initiative for the development of grassroots football in Abuja.
Makanjuola appreciated the media and other stakeholders for their support, while stressing the need for sustained investment in grassroots football.
“Game Changer is a person that really loves grassroots football. He believes I have a grassroots structure that can take this competition to the next level.”
He said the success of the tournament was a collective achievement, noting that the organisers could not have achieved the feat without the support of the media, community leaders, players and residents.
Makanjuola also commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu for his support and expressed optimism that the initiative would grow beyond Apo and reach other communities across Abuja.
“We will not forget what we are trying to do in Nigeria about grassroots development. You can see a lot of things that happen. We have thousands of crowds and they are happy.”
He added that the tournament was designed not only to promote football but also to provide a platform for youth empowerment and community development.
The inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup ended on a high note, with trophies and medals presented to the participating teams and outstanding players.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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