2024 NUJ/Correspondents Chapel Cup: FCT SWAN Poised for Title Glory

2024 NUJ/Correspondents Chapel Cup: FCT SWAN Poised for Title Glory

By Admin

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter is poised to make a huge statement with the upcoming 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT chapter/Correspondents Chapel Cup next month.

The second edition of this exciting tournament will see 12 teams, an impressive increase from the eight teams in the previous edition, competing for the podium success at the Old Parade Ground in Garki, Abuja, from July 11 to 13, 2024.

Tagged as "Football for Friendship and Peace," the three-day football tournament aims to strengthen relationships and promote synergy between participating organizations and security agencies.

FCT NUJ chairman Patrick Osadebamwen, and NAWOJ chairperson, Mrs. Bassey Itan Ekpang, alongside FCT SWAN chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe, and organizers FCT Correspondents Chapter chairman, Jide Oyekunle, are at the forefront of this football initiative.

Reacting after the draws' ceremony, chairman of FCT SWAN, Onwudiwe, shared his excitement about the sports writing body's participation, emphasizing their readiness to challenge for the ultimate prize. 

"We are excited to be given this privilege by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Correspondents Chapel to be part of this epic event and eagerly poised to unseat FRSC and emerge champions of the tournament, as true kings of sports in the FCT," the veteran broadcaster said.

Earlier, the FCT Correspondents Chapel chairman, Oyekunle, who doubles as the organizer, emphasized the core objectives of the three-day event.

 "The tournament aims to strengthen relationships and promote synergy between participating organizations and security agencies. Football makes a difference as a unifying factor, beyond religion, ethnic, and political boundaries," he said. 

Anambra Football Association chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, who was named the brand ambassador of the second edition of the tournament, expressed his delight: "I am honoured and happy not only for being the ambassador but also eager to support the tournament massively."

Defending champions, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), will be back to defend their title against a diverse group of competitors, including the Nigeria Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Custom Services (NCS), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Aiben Group. 

Also keen to wrestle the title are Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, alongside Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federal High Court, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Services, and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

The knockout championship will kick off with FCT SWAN opening their campaign against Aiben by 12 pm on July 11, while NNPC face NCS, NMA battle FRSC, NBA tackle NUJ, NDLEA slug it out with NIS, and NPF meet FHC. 

Group stage winners battle for semi-final spots on July 12's Matchday Two as the top teams vie for prizes and medals awaiting the victorious team and runners-up, while a novelty match between NAWOJ and former NUJ chairmen and veterans adds a unique touch to the grand finale on July 13, 2024.