By Patrick Wemambu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel is to host a 3 – day football tournament tagged “Football for Friendship and Peace” in Abuja from July 11th to 13th 2024.
Aimed at strengthening relations between the media and participating organizations, this 2nd edition of the tourney will involve 12 teams – unlike its maiden edition which had 8 teams.
This was disclosed by Mr. Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel at a press conference last Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. According to him, “This tournament will attract football enthusiasts, administrators, government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, media executives and other dignitaries from all walks of life,” He said that there will be a novelty match between the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and former chairmen of NUJ FCT Council and veterans.
Doubling as an event for unveiling the football tournament brand ambassador – Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi, erstwhile Super Eagles player and Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association – Oyekunle thanked Iloenyosi for accepting to serve. “I want to use this medium to express our profound gratitude to our ambassador for the honour and privilege he has accorded us. We are not taking this kind gesture for granted,” he enthused.
In his acceptance speech, the Brand Ambassador apologized for arriving late for the event owing to flight delays but promised to fully support the competition. Expressing enthusiasm on his choice as ambassador, Iloenyosi revealed that in one and half years of being in office as FA chairman, he had received 17 awards.
Earlier in a remark, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen had welcomed guests to the august occasion. “(We are) incredibly proud to be one of the sponsors of this exciting edition of the NUJ Football Tournament. We share the NUJ’s passion for promoting health and well-being for the season,” AIBEN Managing Director/CEO, Chief Andy Elewere, told the gathering. Speaking through his aide, Chidi Nnugha, the company boss stated that they prioritize building sporting facilities in all their estates to foster a sense of community and wellness.
In the draws that were conducted later with Ediri Oyibo coordinating, the NNPCL, AIBEN, NDLEA, NIS, SWAN and NCS in Group A are to slug it out with the NMA, NBA, NPF, FHC, NUJ and FRSC in Group B. The tourney is expected to be fast-paced and exhilarating from knockout to semis, third place and final matches.
