16 Teams Battle, Mgbuka FC Triumph As Game Changer Unity Cup Ends in Abuja

16 Teams Battle, Mgbuka FC Triumph As Game Changer Unity Cup Ends in Abuja

By Niyi Busari 

Mgbuka FC of Apo emerged champions of the inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup after defeating Tyre Plaza FC 1-0 in a keenly contested final played at the “Stadium of Light” within Covenant Garden Estate, Apo-Dutse, Abuja, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The tournament, which kicked off on June 5 and concluded on Sunday, August 9, featured 16 grassroots teams from across the Abuja community.

Mgbuka FC secured the decisive victory in the final to become the first winners of the competition, while Tyre Plaza FC settled for the runners-up position. NATA FC finished third.

The final attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts, community leaders, supporters and stakeholders, with the organisers describing the tournament as an initiative aimed at promoting grassroots football, youth development and unity within the Apo community.

Organiser hails successful tournament

Speaking after the final, Onyeka Eze, chairman of the Abuja Automobile Spare Parts Dealers Association, expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the competition.

Eze said the tournament had achieved its primary objective of bringing people in Apo together through football, while thanking residents, supporters and sponsors for their contributions to the event.

“Today is the final match of the Game Changer Unity Cup, and we thank God that everything was successful,” Eze said.

He described football as a powerful tool for bringing people together, noting that the tournament had generated excitement across the community.

According to him, the joy and unity created by the competition outweighed the financial commitment involved in organising it.

He also commended the various individuals who supported the tournament through prayers, attendance and financial contributions.

“I thank everybody who supported us. I thank the whole of Apo for supporting us in every way — through prayers, coming to watch the games and financially. May God reward everyone,” he said.

Grassroots development takes centre stage

Makanjuola of Water FC also commended the organisers and appreciated members of the media who covered the tournament.

He described the Game Changer initiative as an important platform for promoting grassroots football and providing opportunities for young players.

He said the organisers had demonstrated a commitment to developing football at the grassroots level and expressed optimism that the competition would continue and expand in subsequent editions.

The tournament also attracted the support of community leaders and other stakeholders, who expressed interest in sustaining the competition as a platform for youth empowerment and development through football.

Mgbuka FC captain celebrates historic triumph

Chukwujekwu Nwanze, captain of Mgbuka FC, described the team's victory as a fitting conclusion to an impressive campaign.

Nwanze praised his teammates for their discipline, teamwork and commitment throughout the competition, while also commending the quality of officiating and the support from fans.

“It is a fantastic end to the tournament. Winning the cup makes me very happy, and the officiating and support from the fans were also good,” he said.

He attributed Mgbuka FC's success to regular training, good ball possession and the quality of players within the squad.

“Our players have been training together from the beginning of the tournament. We have quality players, and our understanding on the pitch helped us throughout the competition,” Nwanze said.

The Mgbuka captain thanked the organisers for providing an opportunity for grassroots teams to compete at a high level.

Tyre Plaza captain promises stronger comeback

Despite losing the final, Tyre Plaza FC captain Ugochukwu Elekwachi praised his teammates for their performance throughout the tournament.

Elekwachi said his team had enjoyed an impressive run before the final, remaining unbeaten until their narrow defeat to Mgbuka FC.

“It was a very important game for my team. We played well, but unfortunately, we did not have the luck today,” he said.

He described the tournament as a positive experience for his team and expressed hope that another edition would be organised.

“We are not giving up. By the next edition, we will come back stronger. For me, this has been one of the best grassroots competitions, and I pray that this kind of tournament continues,” Elekwachi said.

Coach praises peaceful atmosphere

Tyre Plaza FC coach Francis Chimobi accepted the result and congratulated both teams for reaching the final.

Chimobi described the competition as a well-organised and peaceful grassroots tournament that attracted significant public interest.

“It was a game between two teams that worked hard to reach the final. I am okay with the result, and I will encourage my boys to come back stronger next season,” he said.

The coach also praised the organisers for staging a tournament that attracted a large crowd and created an avenue for young footballers to showcase their talents.

According to him, the Game Changer Unity Cup has the potential to become an important fixture on the grassroots football calendar in Abuja if sustained.

Looking ahead

The inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup brought together 16 teams in a competition designed to use football as a vehicle for community unity, youth engagement and grassroots development.

With trophies and medals presented to outstanding participants at the end of the tournament, organisers and stakeholders expressed hopes that the competition will return for a second edition with an even wider reach.

For Mgbuka FC, however, the immediate focus was celebration as they made history as the first champions of the Game Changer Unity Cup after their 1-0 victory over Tyre Plaza FC.