By Sharon Akuboh and Jasmine Okogeri
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has emerged victorious in the Hon Tonto Dike, sponsored Abuja Charity Marathon Ambassadors Match. In a thrilling and challenging encounter, Team NUJ FCT Council defied all odds to secure a remarkable 2-0 victory against Team Ambassadors.
Team NUJ Captain Odion Musa Fernando scored both goals, giving his side an easy lead despite playing with injury. The mixed-gender match took a dramatic turn after NUJ received two questionable red cards and four yellow cards, leaving the team with just five players against seven.
Despite being outnumbered, Team NUJ demonstrated unwavering resilience, discipline, and teamwork to emerge victorious. The victory was a powerful display of determination, unity, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, attributed the victory to the team’s athleticism and determination, stating that “this is the beginning of better things to come for the side.” She also extended the team’s sincere appreciation to Hon Tonto Dike for organizing the event, saying, “We extend our sincere appreciation to Hon Tonto Dike for organizing this meaningful event that beautifully blends charity, fitness, and community spirit.”
Hon Tonto Dike, the sponsor of the event earlier in her address declared “NUJ FCT Council victory has proved that journalists are not just great with the pen but also good in the field of play. She however jokingly added that NUJ FCT won because she did not lace her boots for the Team Ambassadors. She Congratulated the NUJ for the deserved Victory and wished her side better luck next time.
The referees’ decisions were widely criticized, with many questioning the two red cards and four yellow cards given to Team NUJ FCT. However, the team’s determination and teamwork ultimately paid off, as they lifted the trophy and collected the N100,000 cash reward.
Coach Bob praised his team’s determination and thanked God for being on their side. He expressed his disappointment with the referees’ decisions, stating, “All my protest fell on deaf ears. How can such a match in 40 minutes record two red cards and 5 yellows, only one yellow to the opponent’s, and all 6 cards to Team NUJ? I was shocked but could not do anything about it. God in the end vindicated us.”
Captain Odion Musa Fernando attributed the victory to God Almighty and team spirit, saying, “I almost did not play as I sustained a bad injury on my way to the match, but I was determined and it paid off.” He thanked the leadership of the council for giving him and the team the desired motivation to do more. While congratulating his team mates for the deserved Victory.
The event attracted executives of the NUJ FCT Council, chapel leaders, senior journalists, and celebrities from the movie and music industry. Many praised Hon Tonto Dike for organizing the event, which promoted charity, fitness, and community spirit.
Queen of Songs Lady Julietta said the event was an opportunity and wake up call to do more and give back to society, stating, “This was an opportunity to do more and give back to society, thank you Hon Tonto Dike.”
Rtn. Evelyn Onyilo, Former President NAWOJ, congratulated Team NUJ FCT Council on their victory and thanked Hon Tonto Dike for making the event possible, saying, “Sports always fosters unity”.
The Coach for NAWOJ, Comrade Chioma Amajor while congratulating her side for the deserved Victory, knocked the referees for poor officiating. She stated that in her 15 years of experience as both a player and Coach she has not seen such a one sided Officiating. “Novelty Matches have their rules but this one was blatantly broken on all counts, am happy we still won against all odds”.
