Sports
MGBUKA FC of Apo on Sunday won the maiden 2026 Game Changer Unity Cup, defeating Tyre Plaza FC 1-0 in the final in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final took place at the Stadium of Light within Covenant Garden Estate, Apo-Dutse, Abuja.
The tournament began on June 5, featured 16 teams and concluded on Sunday after more than two months of competition.
Mgbuka FC claimed victory after a closely contested encounter against Tyre Plaza FC, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament before the final.
Speaking after the match, Abuja Automobile Spare Parts Dealers Association Chairman and Mgbuka FC Executive Chairman, Onyeka Eze, thanked God and supporters.
“Today marks the end of the Game Changer Unity Cup. We thank God that everything was successful,” Eze said.
He said the competition was organised to foster unity in Apo and create opportunities for young people to develop their football talents.
“I thank the whole of Apo for supporting us in any way you did. God will reward you,” he added.
Nureni Makanjuola of Water FC praised the organisers and media for promoting grassroots football and supporting youth development through sport.
“Game Changer truly loves grassroots football and believes in structures that can take this competition to the next level,” Makanjuola said.
He urged organisers to sustain the tournament and expand it to other parts of Abuja to discover more young talents.
Makanjuola also commended Abuja Municipal Area Council chairman, Philip Maikalangu, councillors and other dignitaries for supporting the initiative.
Mgbuka FC captain, Chukwujekwu Nwanze, described the triumph as a fitting reward for the team’s dedication and preparation.
“I am very happy. Winning the cup in the final is a great feeling. The officiating went well and the fans were fantastic,” he said.
Nwanze attributed the victory to consistent training, teamwork, quality players and effective ball possession throughout the tournament.
Tyre Plaza FC captain, Ugochukwu Elekwachi, congratulated the organisers and described the competition as a valuable experience despite defeat.
He said his side performed well but lacked the fortune required to secure victory in the final.
“We are not giving up. By next season, we will come out stronger,” Elekwachi said.
Tyre Plaza FC coach, Francis Chimobi, praised his players for reaching the final and commended the peaceful organisation of the tournament.
“I am not disappointed. I will tell my boys to come out stronger next season,” Chimobi said.
He added that the competition provided an important platform for grassroots football development and attracted significant community support.
NAN reports that Mgbuka FC received the trophy, medals and N1 million prize money for emerging champions.
Tyre Plaza FC earned N500,000 and a trophy as runners-up, while third-placed NATA FC received N300,000. (NAN)
A.I
Aug. 10, 2026
Tags: Mgbuka FC Onyeka Eze Philip Maikalangu Ugochukwu Elekwachi