SWAN Face Host As NUJ FCT Football Tournament Kicks Off August 18

SWAN Face Host As NUJ FCT Football Tournament Kicks Off August 18

‎By Admin 

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

‎This was after the official draws for the highly anticipated competition, designed on knockout basis, was conducted at the NUJ Council Utako on Tuesday. 

‎In all, 12 teams are set for hostilities and grouped in two parts of Group A and B.

‎In Group A, 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) are pitched.

‎For Group B, the battle line will be drawn between 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 end of first matches, two top teams from each Group are expected to qualify for the semi-final stage meant to happen on Thursday August 21.

‎According to the organisers, the third place match which will see the losers of the last four stage trade tackle will be decided on Friday August 22 at the Old Parade Ground, before the final clash on Saturday August 23.

‎Shortly after the draws, the NUJ FCT Council Chairperson Grace Ike while expressing optimism with expected successful outcome of the tournament, enjoined all participating teams to go through and acquaint themselves with the rules of the tournament adding, "Every player and official must participate bearing in mind that it has to be in the spirit of sportsmanship.

‎"The essence of the competition is also to strengthen the relationship between the union and its partners."

‎Citing one of the rules guiding the tournament, the NUJ council Secretary Jide Oyekunle told participating teams to ensure that any allegation against the opponent or officiating official is with evidence.

‎Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Sports Week Organising Committee, Comrade

‎Ndubueze Chidoka, who commended AIBEN, an estate property company and other partners for their support, said, "NUJ-FCT Council Football Tournament is not organised just for the fun of it; it is a call to duty, consolidating friendship and peaceful co-existence with other organisations.

‎"For us, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, this tournament is beyond winning a trophy- it will also enhance our physical, mental alertness as well as our wellbeing."

‎The draws event witnessed by top dignitaries including the National Secretary-General of SWAN Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, was attended by representatives of participating teams.

‎Fixtures

‎Matchday 1 - Monday August 18

‎Group Stage Matches (Knockout)

‎FHC vs NPF - 10am

‎Army vs NAF - 11am

‎NCS vs FRSC - 12noon

‎AIBEN Vs NIS - 1pm

‎NDLEA vs NMA - 2pm

‎NUJ vs SWAN - 3pm

‎Matchday 2 - Thursday August 21

‎Semi-final Stage

‎A1 vs B2 - 10am

‎B1 vs A2 - 11 am

‎Matchday 3 (Third Place) - Friday August 22

‎Loser 7 vs Loser 8 - 10am

‎Matchday 4 (Final) - Saturday August 23

‎Novelty Match

‎NAWOJ vs Ex-NUJ Chairmen - 10am

‎Final

‎Winner 8 vs Winner 7 - 11am