At the recent Unity Preseason Tournament held in Abuja, Like-Minds FC of Gwagwalada emerged as the champions, marking a notable achievement for the team. The tournament, which serves as a preparatory event for the upcoming season, saw Like-Minds FC, a National League One (NLO) side, triumph over the Niger Tornadoes of Minna, a team from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), in a tense final match.
The championship match was a closely contested affair, with both teams demonstrating their competitive spirit. The game ended in a 0-0 deadlock at halftime, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the two sides. However, in the 76th minute, Lucky Ojukwu scored the decisive goal for Like-Minds FC, securing a 1-0 victory. This goal proved pivotal, especially as the Niger Tornadoes had a missed opportunity earlier in the second half when they failed to convert a penalty kick.
Throughout the tournament, Like-Minds FC displayed impressive form. In their group stage matches, the team drew 2-2 with Atlantic, defeated CKD 2-1, and overcame Nasarawa United 3-1. They also edged past Ejike Ugwoaja FC with a 1-0 victory and secured a 3-2 win against 2K-19 FC, advancing to the knockout stages.
On the other hand, the Niger Tornadoes showcased their strength by defeating several teams, including Conac FC (2-0), 2K-19 (1-0), and Midland (1-0). They also played to a goalless draw with EFCC and excelled in their quarterfinal clash against Nasarawa United, winning 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
In the aftermath of the final, Barrister Babatunde Akintade, Chairman of Like-Minds FC, expressed his profound gratitude to his team. He commended their determination and performance throughout the tournament and also thanked the organizers for providing an excellent platform for preseason preparation.
The tournament also featured a significant moment with the investiture of Barrister Isaac Danladi, Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Sports Ministry, as the Patron of the Tournament. In his acceptance speech, Barrister Danladi praised the organizers for their efforts and pledged to support the continuation and enhancement of the tournament, underscoring its importance as a flagship event in the Northern conference.
The victory by Like-Minds FC not only underscores their readiness for the upcoming season but also highlights the growing competitiveness of teams from the lower tiers of Nigerian football. The Unity Preseason Tournament has proven to be an effective stage for teams to showcase their potential and prepare thoroughly for the challenges of the new season.
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