By Sharon Akuboh
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council’s football team emerged victorious in a thrilling match against the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at the 3rd edition of the NUJ FCT annual football tournament. The team, led by Captain Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute of Sports and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, secured a resounding 3-1 win.
Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman NUJ FCT Council, was present to support the teams along with her full executives. The executives included Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndambabo, Secretary Jide Oyekunle, Assistant Secretary, Sharon Emephia, Treasurer Sandra Udeike, Financial Secretary Henry Abimiku, and Auditor Rose Okuku-Tega.
After the match, Comrade Yahya Alhassan the President of NUJ, in a phone interview thanked God for securing the victory, which has enabled the team to proceed to the next stage. He expressed his pride in the players’ performance and urged them to work hard to lift the trophy this year.
Rt Hon Philip Shaibu’s exceptional skills were on full display as he scored a crucial penalty kick that gave his team the lead. His clever passes and strategic plays significantly contributed to the team’s success.
The match saw some impressive performances, including George Uche’s double strike. Uche scored two crucial goals, one in the first half and another in the second half, showcasing his impressive scoring ability. Shaibu’s penalty kick set the tone for the NUJ FCT team’s dominance.
The NUJ team consisted of key players such as Rt Hon Philip Shaibu (Captain), George Uche, Odion Musa Fernando, Ediri Oyibo, Miracle, Taofeek, Aliyu Umar, Collins Babajide, Ernest, Daniel, Stanley, Babatunde, Tobi, Tony, Efosa Hudson, Clinton, Felix Ojo, Edafe, Ernest, Bamaiyi, Margret.
The team was coached by Bob, Assistant Coach Felix Ojo, with support from the Secretary of Council Jide Oyekunle, Benjamin Ubiri, Princess Joy Idam the Head of Medical, Ediri Oyibo, Comrade Chidoka, Chairman of the Sports Committee.
A dedicated medical team, headed by Princess Joy Idam, with Nkechi Onyeneke and Oluwaleye as assistants, provided medical support throughout the 6 matches and were never found wanting. They were on their toes Start to finish.
According to Comrade Grace Ike, the NUJ team’s victory marks a significant win in the tournament, showcasing the team’s determination and skill. With Shaibu at the helm, the team looks poised to make a strong impression in the competition and probably lift the Cup for the first time.
The NUJ FCT Council is proud of the team’s performance and looks forward to their continued success in the tournament. With the team’s current momentum, they are confident that they can go all the way and emerge as champions.
Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Chidoka who is former SWAN Chairman, while appreciating his Executive Committee members also thanked God for making Day one of the Tournament a huge success. He thanked his Committee members for working round the clock to pull it off.