Sports
Unity Preseason: Coach Felix Agada in Bullish mood ahead of Mavlon FC opening game against Fosla
Ahead of his side opening game at the Unity Preseason Competition, Head coach of Nationwide League One side Mavlon FC, Felix Agada has expressed his confidence in his side’s ability to pick up maximum points when they file out against Fosla FC on Sunday.
Coach Agada who had been ensuring his wards are very much ready to give a good representation of themselves stated that an opening day win will put them in a very good position to progress from group A.
The Abuja-based side has been intensifying their preparations with warm-up games against the likes of EFFC, Lucky Stars, and Dominion Hotspur, with coach Felix adamant that the games have helped his side prepare adequately for the tournament.
“This is going to be a very big preseason tournament for us, a chance to prove that we are ready to compete and play against some of the best teams in the country and that is exactly what we plan to do with the tournament.
“Our first game will be very important to how we perform and playing against a side like Fosla won’t be easy but I am confident in the ability of my boys to deliver the results come Sunday. We have played 6 games and have been unbeaten before now and we hope to continue with that form, coach Felix stated.
Similarly the club’s director of Sports, Mr. Paul Ogunlaja has also promised that his side will give a good representation at the tournament and believes his side can progress from group A despite being handed a tough draw.
Mavlon FC is in group A of the tournament alongside NPFL side Nasarawa United, NNL side Cynosure, and Fosla FC. They open their campaign with a clash against Fosla on Sunday before going up against Nasarawa United and Cynosure.
A total of 12 teams are taking part in the week-long preseason tournament with the top three teams from each group progressing along with the best-placed second team to the semifinals of the tournament.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
