Mgbuka FC emerged champions of the inaugural 2026 Grassroots Football League, the Game Changer Unity Cup, after defeating Tyreplaza FC 1-0 in the final played at the Stadium of Light, Covenant Estate, Dutse-Apo, Abuja.

The tournament, organised by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Water FC Abuja, Nureni Makanjuola, brought together grassroots football teams and attracted thousands of spectators over the course of the competition.

The competition which lasted for about 2 months, having commenced on June 5 was concluded on 9th August as 16 teams formed from associations and community of Mechanics, Car dealers, Spare parts sellers, Tyre sellers amongst many others participated.

Mgbuka FC captain, Chukwujekwu Nwanze, attributed the team’s triumph to the quality of its players, teamwork and consistent training.

He said the victory was particularly satisfying because of the significance of winning the first edition of the competition.

Nwanze said: “I’m very, very happy because, in football, especially in a final, when you win the cup, you must be happy. I’m very happy for the fans, the officials and everybody. Everything went well, and I’m very, very happy.

“What made our team stand out and become champions of the first edition of this tournament is the quality of our players and the training we had. From the beginning, we were doing well. As individual players, we trained together, and we have quality players. That is why we were able to win.

“The tournament was very, very great and well organised. It was like a local league, and it was very good. I really enjoyed the tournament. Competitions like this will help some players as they progress in their careers.”

Speaking at the final, Makanjuola said he was passionate about grassroots football and expressed appreciation to the Game Changer team for entrusting him with the organisation of the competition.

He said the large crowd at the final demonstrated the impact grassroots football could have on communities and young people.

According to him, the tournament was not about an individual but a collective effort to develop football at the grassroots and provide opportunities for young talents.

Makanjuola also commended the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mr Philip Maikalangu, for his support and participation in the initiative.

He said the presence of local government chairmen, councillors and other dignitaries at the tournament was an indication of growing support for grassroots sports development.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would continue and serve as a platform for empowering young people and helping them build careers through football.

Despite finishing as runners-up, Tyreplaza FC captain Ugochukwu Elekwachi, Chichoke described his side’s performance as unfortunate, saying the team played well but lacked luck in the final.

“Actually, I would say we were unfortunate today. My team played very, very well right from the beginning of the game, but today, we just didn’t have the luck. The experience in the competition was wonderful, and I pray that a competition like this will come up again next time. It was a very good tournament.

“For me and my team, we will plan ahead. We are not giving up. We believe that in the next season, if a competition like this comes up again, we are going to lift the trophy.”Tyreplaza FC coach Chimaobe Francis also congratulated the participating teams, describing the tournament as a significant milestone for grassroots football.

“Anyway, it’s a game. In the final, two teams came together to make history. So, I’m okay and good to go. I’m not bothered that we took the second position. It’s nothing. I will tell my boys to come out stronger next season.

“Looking at the tournament in general, I must confess that Game Changer is a history keeper. This is history being written in a book. This is the first tournament that has been able to bring such a large crowd together.”

The Game Changer Unity Cup was organised as a grassroots football initiative aimed at promoting unity, discovering young talents and strengthening community engagement through sports.

Chairman of the Abuja Old Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association (APO), Chief Onyeka Eze, said the tournament had achieved its objective of promoting unity within the community.

He commended the organisers, players, supporters and media organisations for contributing to the successful completion of the competition.

Eze said the tournament, which lasted for more than two months, brought joy to the APO community and demonstrated the potential of grassroots football to unite people.

He also praised Makanjuola for his commitment to grassroots football, describing the Water FC chief executive as a strong supporter of youth development through the sport.

Winners Mgbuka FC of Apo received a medal, trophy and N1,000,000 , while Tyre Plaza FC received N500,000 and a trophy and NATA FC , came third place to received N300,000. at the end of the competition.