Mahanaim FC Captain Light Maduabuchi is optimistic about his team’s performance in the Unity Preseason Tournament despite the quality of the opposItions.
The club has been drawn in group D alongside Wikki Tourist, Doma United- one of the newly promoted teams to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and Abuja based Nigeria National League (NNL) side, EFCC.
Since the Club’s founding, Mahanaim FC, one of the North Central up-and-coming non-league football teams, has always stood out at major competitions against their pairs in the Abuja circuit.
John Light Maduabuchi, who was elated with the Draws, expressed 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 to show appreciation to the organizers 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 primary goal of the unity preseason competition is to get Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) teams ready for the upcoming season, which would undoubtedly benefit continental representatives as well.
On November 5, 2021, former NPFL champions Plateau United defeated Nasarawa United by a lone goal to win the first Unity Preseason Tourney.
