Sports
HYPEBUZZ Football Academy produced an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Gwarinpa United FC 3–1 in the opening Group A fixture at the ongoing 2026 Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) League in Abuja.
Hypebuzz FA and Gwarinpa United FC began the match brightly, creating several attacking opportunities while pressing high in search of an early breakthrough.
Gwarinpa United FC took the lead in the 25th minute through Bashiru Aliyu, who fired home a spectacular long-range strike from about 35 yards to put his side ahead.
Hypebuzz FA responded with sustained attacking pressure. Sadeeq Khamis delivered a dangerous corner kick, but the Gwarinpa United goalkeeper made a fine save to keep his team in front.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 31st minute when Ebube Onyeulo displayed great determination to retain possession after nearly losing the ball before calmly slotting home the equaliser to make it 1–1.
On resumption of the second half, Hypebuzz FA returned with renewed energy and took control of the contest.
In the 65th minute, Idris Gambo capitalised on a slow reaction from the Gwarinpa defence, raced into space and finished confidently with his weaker foot to give his side a 2–1 lead.
Gwarinpa United’s hopes of a comeback suffered a setback in the 76th minute when Shuaibu Abdulsalam was shown a straight red card following a collision, reducing the team to 10 men.
Hypebuzz sealed the victory four minutes later as Mubarak Fasiu beat two defenders with a skilful run before calmly tapping the ball into the net for the third goal. The game ended 3-1.
Group A comprises Zuko FC, Gwarinpa United FC, Sofea Sports Limited (SSL) FC, Hypebuzz Football Academy, Fine Trust FC and Defence Strikers FC.
Speaking after the match, Barnabas Awuni ,head coach of Hypebuzz FA, described his side’s 3–1 victory as well deserved, attributing it to the team’s youthful energy and tactical discipline.
“ Our game plan was to exploit their opponents pace but we did not have enough time for a proper warm-up before kick-off,which affected the performance, particularly the goalkeeper.while praising his players for recovering after conceding first.
“ As Gwarinpa United capitalised on a defensive lapse to score first but I praised my players for responding positively and showing resilience,” he said.
He added that the tournament would aid the development of his young players and expressed satisfaction with the standard of officiating, rating the referees eight out of 10.
Awuni said the opponents became frustrated by his team’s energetic display, leading to disciplinary sanctions, while his side remained focused on the game.
Umaru Bameyi, head Coach Gwarinpa United FC, criticised the officiating, insisting it influenced the outcome of the match
“ My players gave their best but the centre referee and assistant referees did not handle the game properly, describing the officiating as below standard,” he said.
Bameyi questioned the decision that led to his team’s red card in the second half, saying it was difficult to understand why a player was sent off while Gwarinpa United were still in possession before play was awarded to the opposition.
He claimed that several penalty appeals by his side were ignored and appealed to the organisers to improve officiating in future matches,that clubs invest significant resources to participate in the competition.
“ We all agreed during the pre-match meeting that qualified referees would handle the games, so we deserve fair and balanced officiating,” he said.
In another Group A matches played on Monday, Zuko FC defeated Sofea Sports Limited (SSL) FC 3–2, while Defence Strikers FC edged Fine Trust FC 1–0.
NAN reports that Gwarinpa United FC will face Sofea Sports Limited (SSL) FC on Friday at 11 a.m., while Hypebuzz FA will take on Fine Trust FC at 9a.m. on July 17.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that 2026 FCT FA League, which kicked off on Monday at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja, features 24 clubs drawn into four groups.(NAN
A.I
July 14, 2026
Tags: Hypebuzz Football Academy