NUJ FCT Football Tournament Kicks Off August 18, Organisers Unveil Fixtures

Fixtures for the third edition of the NUJ FCT Football Tournament have been released ahead of the kick-off, scheduled for Monday, 18 August 2025, at the Area 3 football pitch and the Area 10 football field at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

This announcement follows the official draw for the highly anticipated competition, which is structured on a knockout basis, conducted at the NUJ Council Utako. In total, twelve teams are set to compete, divided into two groups: Group A and Group B.

In Group A, the teams are the Federal High Court (FHC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Group B features the Nigeria Army, AIBEN, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Air Force (NAF).

At the conclusion of the first matches, the two top teams from each group are expected to qualify for the semi-final stage, which is set to take place on Thursday, 21 August.

According to the organisers, the third place match—featuring the losing teams from the semi-finals—will be held on Friday, 22 August at the Old Parade Ground, prior to the final clash on Saturday, 23 August.

Shortly after the draw, the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, expressed optimism regarding the tournament’s success and encouraged all participating teams to familiarise themselves with the tournament rules. She stated, “Every player and official must participate with the spirit of sportsmanship in mind. The goal of the competition is also to strengthen the relationship between the union and its partners.”

Citing one of the rules governing the tournament, NUJ Council Secretary Jide Oyekunle advised participating teams to ensure any allegations against opponents or officiating officials are supported by evidence.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Sports Week Organising Committee, Ndubueze Chidoka, commended AIBEN, an estate property company, and other partners for their support. He remarked, “The NUJ-FCT Council Football Tournament is not organised merely for enjoyment; it is a call to duty, strengthening friendships and promoting peaceful coexistence with other organisations. For us, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, this tournament goes beyond winning a trophy—it will also enhance our physical well-being and mental alertness.”

The draw event was attended by distinguished guests, including the National Secretary-General of SWAN, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, along with representatives from the participating teams.