Sports
Unity Preseason Tourney: Mahanaim FC Captain, John Light Not Afraid Of Wikki Tourists, Doma United, EFCC
….. Thank organizers for the invitation
By Olaoluwa Aro
As the yearly Unity Preseason Tournament takes center stage in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja this coming weekend, Mahanaim FC Captain Light Maduabuchi, has reacted confidently to the grouping, especially group D, where his team would be facing Wikki Tourist, Doma United- one of the newly promoted teams to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and Abuja based Nigeria National League (NNL) sides, EFCC.
Being one of the emerging non league football teams in the North central, Mahanaim FC have continued to distinguished themselves at any major events amongst their pairs in the Abuja circuit, since the Club was established.
John Light Maduabuchi, who was obviously elated with the Draws express optimism but didn’t downplay the battle ahead, as Mahanaim prepares for the Unity Cup.
” Football is a game of equal number of players on the Field. Playing Wikki Tourist, Doma United and EFCC of Abuja is a challenge that would be surmounted before our first game, and when the event kicks start on 22nd of this month, which is this coming weekend.
Reacting to questions on if participating for the first time in Unity Preseason Tourney would affect his team’s progress during the Competition, John Light, who is equally dubbed as ‘Lightinho’ appreciate the Organizers for extending one of the invites to Mahanaim FC.
“We are new in the tournament but not a new team on the field of play.
“I have received several overwhelming calls from our fans, football lovers within FCT and beyond regarding the pairing with these top teams and I have consistently maintained strongly that, we are equal to the tasks.
“Of a Truth, Wikki Tourist is a major factor but not a Fear factor and as for DOMA United, their promotion to NPFL showed how formidable they are amongst other NNL sides.
“EFCC of Abuja is a Familiar foe and we wouldn’t disregard any of our opponents but we shall show the world what Mahanaim FC is capable of professionally, in the competition, he said.
The captain took time out to show appreciation to the organisers during the interview ahead of the commencement of the pre-season.
“As a team that loves showing gratitude, we are thanking the Brains behind the Unity Preseason Tourney, led by Veteran Journalist and certified Coach, Mr Patrick Ngwaogu, alongside the two other- Men with letters, otherwise known as Pen- pushers for the opportunity given to Mahanaim to be part of this year’s event, which is also the second edition as well.
“We promise to be professional, responsible in our usual courteous manner, as we are not taking this Golden chance for granted because we were not given gratuitously,” Light concluded with utmost assurance
The unity preseason competition is basically for the purpose of preparing Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) teams, before the new season, which is definitely going to help continental representatives as well.
Historically, Former NPFL champions, Plateau United defeated Nasarawa United by lone goal to hoist the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tourney on the 5th of November, 2021.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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