Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has indicated its readiness to commence the 2026 NUJ FCT Football Tournament, with the competition scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Abuja.
This was disclosed on Monday, September 21, during a world press conference and draws for the 2026 NUJ FCT Football Tournament, organised to officially unveil the competition and prepare participating teams for the championship.
According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ndubueze Chidoka, the tournament is designed to strengthen friendly relationships among journalists, security agencies, government institutions, private-sector organisations and professional bodies through sports.
The tournament is scheduled to be held at the Area 3 Football Pitch and the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, and will feature teams representing various professional, government, security and sporting organisations.
Participating teams include the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal High Court of Nigeria (FHC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), AIBEN Properties, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), FCT Football Coaches Association, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Women Football All Stars Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, and National Institute for Sports (NIS).
In his speech at the event, Chidoka said the tournament goes beyond football, describing sports as a powerful instrument for promoting peace, unity, friendship, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
His words: “Sport does not have a language. Sport is an integral activity that unites people and has the power to change the world for the better, irrespective of religion, ethnic and political affiliations.
He further stated that the tournament represents the NUJ FCT Council’s contribution towards promoting peace and national unity, urging participants to put aside professional differences and work together in the interest of a better Nigeria.
Chidoka also noted that participants are expected to use the tournament to inspire hope, build respect and friendship, and demonstrate true sportsmanship and fair play throughout the competition.
He also urged all participating teams to familiarise themselves with the standing rules and regulations governing the tournament and ensure strict compliance throughout the competition.
Chidoka enjoined the players and officials to remain committed to the objectives of the tournament and work collectively towards ensuring a successful competition.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose contributions have supported the organisation of the tournament, describing their assistance as significant to the success of the event.
The tournament will culminate in the Grand Finale on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., when the final match will be played, followed by the ceremonial presentation of trophies and medals to the winning teams.
The organisers said the grand finale is expected to attract dignitaries, captains of industry, government officials, football enthusiasts, and lovers of the game from across Abuja and beyond.
The NUJ FCT Council expressed optimism that the 2026 football tournament would provide an opportunity for participants to strengthen professional relationships, promote unity, and demonstrate the role of sports in fostering peaceful coexistence.
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