Harmony FA beats Tunga Pillars to win 16th Niger Pre-Season soccer tournament

Harmony FA beats Tunga Pillars to win 16th Niger Pre-Season soccer tournament

By Abubakar Hassan

Harmony Football Academy has emerged champions of the 16th edition of the Niger State Pre-Season Soccer Tournament, tagged “Maikunkele 2026,” organized by the state Nationwide League One Clubs Committee.

The team defeated Tunga Pillars FC 3-0 on penalties after a goalless regulation time in a highly competitive final, thrilling football fans with a display of skill, strategy, and resilience.

The final, held on Sunday, saw both teams exhibit high quality football, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite a goalless draw in regulation time, the penalty shootout highlighted Harmony FA’s composure and focus, ultimately securing their victory.

Football enthusiasts in attendance lauded the performances, describing the match as a testament to the growing talent at the grassroots level in the state.

Speaking as a special guest at the final, the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Abdulrazaq Mu'azu Jikantoro, praised the sponsor and organizers for creating a platform that brings youths together while fostering grassroots football development.

“Only sport, especially football, has the capacity to bring people together like this,” he said. He commended the sponsor for investing in the growth and empowerment of young talents and prayed for continued strength and success for the organizers in sustaining the initiative.

Hon. Jikantoro stressed that opportunities such as the tournament must be embraced by young players with commitment and discipline. He encouraged participants to fully leverage organized competitions to showcase their skills and improve their career prospects.

“If they are fortunate, some of them may be picked by different clubs, and that could become a source of livelihood for them,” he added.

Also in attendance was the Chairman of Bosso Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Laka, whose local government is home to Harmony FA. He described the team’s triumph as the result of prayers, dedication, and hard work, noting that the success reflects the impact of positive community engagement barely three months into his administration.

Hon. Laka highlighted the impressive turnout of over 3,000 youths at the finals, underscoring the power of football to engage young people and redirect their energy positively.

Recalling the saying that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he emphasized that initiatives like the Pre-Season Tournament play a critical role in preventing social vices and promoting discipline among youths.

The council chairman also commended the organizers for sustaining the tournament year after year and assured them of the local government’s continued support. He pledged that his administration would encourage and listen to individuals and groups contributing to youth development, whether through sports, business, or civil service, to foster broader progress in the local government area.

Speaking on his part, the sponsor of the tournament and Chairman of Niger Tornadoes FC, Engr. Ibrahim Dada Maikunkele, expressed gratitude to God for the successful staging of this year’s competition.

He said his motivation stems from a desire to give back to the state and complement government efforts in empowering young people.

Engr. Dada emphasized that the Pre-Season Tournament forms part of his broader commitment to youth development and assured that more impactful editions would follow in the coming years.

“Every year there is a lot of innovation and improvement in the competition, and we hope next year will be better than what we have seen this year, by the grace of God,” he said.

The tournament’s sponsor also commended the organizers for their discipline and dedication, describing their coordination as instrumental to the success recorded.

He praised participating teams for their seriousness and sportsmanship, noting that this year’s edition demonstrated remarkable progress compared to the previous year, and reaffirmed his resolve to sustain the initiative for the benefit of youths across the state.

At the awards ceremony, trophies, certificates, medals, and other consolation prizes were presented to teams, coaches, and players who distinguished themselves during the tournament. Recognition awards were also given to individuals for their contributions to football development in the state and beyond. Harmony FA went home with the giant trophy and a cash reward of five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000), courtesy of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Sadiq Yusuf.

The championship, which began with just four teams in its early editions, has grown significantly, attracting 24 teams this year and gaining wide acceptance among football stakeholders. Dignitaries present at the grand finale included the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski; the Chairman of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh and board members; former Commissioner for sports, and also Works in the state, Mamman Musa Bosso; district heads of Bosso and Maikunkele; traditional leaders; and other notable guests and football stakeholders.