By: Arinze Izik
The 2026 NUJ FCT Football Tournament has been positioned as a platform to promote unity and strengthen collaboration among various institutions in the country.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ndubueze Chidoka, said this on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Abuja during the press briefing and official draws for the competition.
According to Chidoka, the tournament will kick off on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with fixtures billed for the Area 3 Football Pitch and the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
Teams drawn for this year’s edition include the NUJ, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal High Court, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), AIBEN Properties, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), FCT Football Coaches Association, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Women Football All Stars Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army and the National Institute for Sports.
Chidoka explained that the initiative leverages football to bridge gaps across professional, ethnic, religious and political lines.
He noted that sports remain a universal language capable of uniting people and driving positive change, irrespective of differences.
Describing the competition as the NUJ FCT Council’s contribution to peace-building and national unity, he said it was important for institutions and individuals to work together for the collective good.
He charged participating teams to embrace the spirit of the tournament by using it to promote hope, mutual respect and lasting friendship, while exhibiting high levels of sportsmanship and fair play.
Chidoka also emphasized that the tournament will be strictly guided by its rules and regulations, urging all teams to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the provisions.
The competition will climax on Saturday, September 26, at 11 a.m. with the final match, followed by presentation of trophies and medals to winners.
He added that the grand finale is expected to draw dignitaries, business leaders, government officials and football enthusiasts from across the country, while expressing gratitude to partners and sponsors for their support and wishing all teams a successful outing.(Hard Talk International Magazine)
