FCT FA Chairman Advocates Private Ownership Model To Strengthen Nigerian League

Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Abba Mouktar Muhammed, has called for greater private sector investment in Nigerian football, saying privately owned clubs remain the most sustainable path towards strengthening the domestic league.

Muhammed made the call while speaking with journalists in his office in Abuja on Thursday, where he reviewed the progress of football administration in the FCT and the future of club football in Nigeria.

The FCT FA chairman said the current board has remained committed to continuity, stability and sustainability in managing football activities within the nation’s capital.

According to him, the association has successfully maintained organised competitions, improved participation among clubs and continued to attract major football events to Abuja.

“As usual, we always promise the statutory responsibilities that we are obliged to undertake and then any additional innovation or possibilities that permit us. Importantly, what we promised as a board is continuity, stability and sustainability,” he said.

Muhammed noted that the FCT FA has made significant progress in the Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup, with several top clubs featuring in matches hosted in Abuja.

He disclosed that clubs such as Enyimba F.C., Rangers International F.C. and Kano Pillars F.C. had all played in the FCT under the current administration.

He also recalled that Abuja hosted a Federation Cup semi-final for the first time in its history last year, describing it as a major milestone for football development in the territory.

Despite the achievements, Muhammed admitted that the FCT is still striving to secure a club in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

He, however, insisted that promotion to the top division must be achieved through long-term planning and proper football structures rather than shortcuts.

“I have always said it has to be organic. We cannot manufacture and suddenly find ourselves in the Premier League,” he stated.

Muhammed explained that although the FCT has produced competitive teams in the Nigeria National League over the years, many of them struggle against financially stronger state government-owned clubs.

According to him, inadequate sponsorship and limited financial backing have made it difficult for privately owned teams in the territory to compete consistently for promotion spots.

The FCT FA boss, however, expressed optimism over the emergence of privately run clubs across the country, describing the development as a positive sign for the future of Nigerian football.

He pointed to Remo Stars F.C. as an example of a club that achieved success through patience, strategic planning and long-term investment.

“Remo has built for more than a decade and they won the league last year. It tells you that football development takes time and proper planning,” Muhammed said.

He added that the increasing number of privately owned clubs in the Nigerian league was gradually transforming the structure and competitiveness of domestic football.

Muhammed urged businessmen and investors in Abuja and across the country to embrace football club ownership, noting that sustainable investment would improve the standard of the league and create stronger competition.

“We have businessmen that understand football and are not in it for the short term. They know how to build step by step over the years until they reach the top of Nigerian football,” he added.

Muhammed expressed confidence that with sustained private investment, improved organisation and proper football management, the Nigerian league would continue to grow stronger and become more competitive in the coming years.