The Chairman and sponsor of the Abuja Unity Pre-season Tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu, has announced that the 2025 edition of the tournament will be hosted in Nasarawa State. Ngwaogu disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, confirming that the Lafia Township Stadium would be the venue for next year’s competition.
Ngwaogu expressed his satisfaction with the Nasarawa State government’s approval to host the event, emphasizing that the tournament plays a crucial role in preparing football clubs for the upcoming season. “This tournament is an annual event designed to build and strengthen teams within the northern conference, particularly those participating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL),” he stated.
He further explained that the tournament offers clubs an opportunity to assess their squads, make necessary adjustments, and identify potential new talents that could enhance their performance in the new season. “If the participating teams utilize the experiences gained from the tournament effectively, they will be well-prepared to excel in the NPFL and other competitions during the new football season,” Ngwaogu added.
Highlighting the success of the 2024 edition, Ngwaogu revealed that six players from junior clubs that participated this year are set to be signed by NPFL clubs. “Two of these promising players are from Likeminds Football Club of Gwagwalada, and the remaining four are from 2K19 Football Club of Abuja,” he noted.
The 2024 Pre-season Tournament concluded with Likeminds Football Club of Gwagwalada emerging as the champions. They secured a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes of Minna, thanks to a decisive goal scored by Lucky Ojukwu in the 72nd minute. The final match, held at the Area 3 football stadium, was attended by a handful of guests and spectators who witnessed the intense competition.
A total of eleven teams participated in the 2024 tournament, including notable clubs like Nasarawa United and Plateau United. The event, which took place from August 12 to August 18, provided a platform for teams to test their strategies and build cohesion ahead of the new season.