Capital Sportiff Marks 22nd Anniversary With Football, Honours

Capital Sportiff Sports Club, one of Abuja’s established sports clubs, has marked its 22nd anniversary with a Founders’ Day celebration featuring football matches, recognition of outstanding members and tributes to the club’s pioneers.

The celebration, held at New Capital School, Asokoro, the club’s home ground, brought members together to reflect on more than two decades of friendship, fitness and camaraderie.

Founded in 2004 by a group of like-minded individuals, Capital Sportiff has evolved from a fitness-focused club into a close-knit community built around sports, friendship and mutual support.

Football provided the main attraction at the anniversary celebration, with Team PU, Team AVM and Team Vitus competing in a round-robin tournament.

Team PU began the competition with a 2-1 victory over Team AVM, while Team Vitus edged AVM by a goal in a controversial encounter decided by a disputed penalty.

The final match between Team AVM and Team Vitus ended in an entertaining draw.

A founding member of the club, Dr Victor Udeh, popularly known as “Machine”, recalled the modest beginnings of Capital Sportiff in 2004 and expressed satisfaction with its growth over the years.

Udeh urged members to preserve the bond that had sustained the club for more than two decades.

Another member, Nwosu Christian Okechukwu, popularly known as “Get Some” or “DJ Khaled”, said the passion and emotions displayed during the football matches reflected the enduring spirit of the club.

He recalled that the club was initially established partly to help members maintain physical fitness but had since developed into a strong network of friends who had supported one another through different stages of life.

“We have fought, grown, stopped fighting, fought again, broken up and made up. We are now more than 20 years old, and it has been a long ride,” Okechukwu said.

“I wish the club more glory and hope we can bring in more young people to take the baton.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Oladimeji Fabiyi, identified friendship, comradeship and family values as some of the club’s major achievements.

Fabiyi said members from different ethnic backgrounds had remained united, while the club had also served as a support network for members during difficult periods.

He added that the club was looking to expand into other sports and eventually acquire a permanent facility.

Former President Rex Abitogun commended members for sustaining the club and said the Founders’ Day provided an opportunity to honour those who established the organisation and reflect on the challenges it had overcome.

The Immediate Past President, Akpugo Ugochukwu Kennedy, noted the passion still displayed by members in their 50s and 60s, saying the competitive spirit remained an important part of football.

Kennedy expressed hope that the club would continue to evolve and attract younger members.

Director of Sports, Ambrose Okosun, said Capital Sportiff had grown beyond its original focus on physical fitness to become a platform for friendship, networking and mutual support.

Prince Leonard Pius Ocheuje said the anniversary was an opportunity to honour the pioneers whose vision gave birth to the club and recognise their contributions to its development.

The celebration also featured the decoration of outstanding members for their service, dedication and contributions to the club’s 22-year journey.