The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters again emerged champions of the FCT SWAN 5-Aside football tournament, beating Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to retain the title for a record six times.
The weeklong packed-events, designed to help members of the pen profession unwind and exercise to keep fit, kicked off on Saturday, November 25 with walking and jogging exercise at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
FRCN who were playing in the final of football event for the first time had hoped to win the competition, at least to give their colleague, Mr Ndubueze Chidoka, who would be stepping down soon as FCT SWAN chairman after serving his two term tenures, a memorable exit. But it was NTA dominated the first half to lead 1-0 to the surprise of FRCN fans and their new director general who was ably represented at the final by the general manager, Sports, Grace Adam-Iliya.
Despite overcoming their lethargy in the second half to fight back, NTA held on to their 1-0 lead from the first half to retain the title.
Speaking after the game, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Guasu, commended the Chidoka-led FCT SAWN executive committee for sustaining the annual week in bringing the members together to unwind and camaraderie.
The former director general of the defunct National Sports Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmud, who was the guest speaker at the football final and award presentation to distinguished sports administrators and veteran sports writers, said playing sports is a great way to improve one’s health and fitness.
In his remarks, SWAN FCT chairman Mr Ndubueze Chidoka while commending the mature disposition of teaming members expressed gratitude to all that have supported the association to remain a force to reckon with in the development of sports in the country. .
Several veteran members of the association were honoured at the event.
