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Maikalangu Commended for Supporting Grassroots Football, Youth Empowerment Through Unity Cup
The Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has been commended for his support for grassroots football development and youth empowerment through the inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup in Abuja.
The tournament, which featured 16 teams, was held at the Stadium of Light, Covenant Garden Estate, Apo-Dutse, from June 5 to August 9, 2026.
Mgbuka FC of Apo emerged champions after defeating Tyre Plaza FC 1-0 in the final, while NATA FC finished in third place.
Speaking after the final, the Chairman of the Abuja Automobile Spare Parts Dealers Association, Onyeka Eze, described the competition as a major platform for promoting unity and bringing residents of Apo together through football.
Eze said the success of the tournament had made the financial sacrifices involved worthwhile, stressing that the unity, excitement and happiness generated among residents were more important.
“This football is to unite Apo. We have been battling in this tournament for two months plus, but we made it. It has come to the end today and everybody is happy. The whole Apo is happy,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to residents, supporters and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the tournament through their presence, prayers and financial support.
Also speaking, Makanjuola of Water FC, one of the key figures behind the competition, described the Game Changer Unity Cup as a significant initiative aimed at promoting grassroots football development in Abuja.
Makanjuola commended the media and other stakeholders for their support, while calling for sustained investment in grassroots football to provide opportunities for young talents.
“Game Changer is a person that really loves grassroots football. He believes I have a grassroots structure that can take this competition to the next level,” he said.
He described the success of the tournament as a collective achievement, noting that the organisers could not have delivered the competition without the support of the media, community leaders, players and residents.
Makanjuola also praised AMAC Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu for his support, expressing optimism that the initiative would expand beyond Apo to other communities across Abuja.
“We will not forget what we are trying to do in Nigeria about grassroots development. You can see a lot of things that happen. We have thousands of crowds and they are happy,” he added.
According to him, the tournament was designed not only to promote football but also to create opportunities for youth empowerment, talent discovery and community development.
The inaugural Game Changer Unity Cup ended on a celebratory note, with trophies and medals presented to participating teams and outstanding players.
The organisers expressed hope that the competition would become a sustainable platform for nurturing young football talents and strengthening unity among communities in Abuja.
