The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Tournament concluded on a celebratory note, with the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) team emerging as champions after a dramatic finale that showcased the power of sport to unite and inspire.

 

In a nail-biting final at the Area 3 Sports Complex, NAF edged out the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 8–7 on penalties after a pulsating 1–1 draw in regulation time. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) team clinched third place with a convincing 4–0 win over the tournament hosts, NUJ FCT.

 

Now in its third year, the tournament featured 12 teams drawn from security agencies, government parastatals, and media organisations, including the Nigerian Army, NDLEA, NCS, SWAN, and NUJ, among others.

The grand finale was graced by the tournament’s Chairman of the Closing Ceremony, Dr. Christopher Otabor, Chief Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and CEO of Alliance Hospital, who lauded the initiative as a vital tool for promoting unity, physical fitness, and inter-agency camaraderie.

 

“This tournament is more than football. It is a statement that our institutions — media, security, and government — can work, play, and build together. I commend NUJ for keeping this vision alive,” Otabor said.

 

NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, congratulated the NAF team for their triumph and thanked all the teams for displaying exceptional talent and sportsmanship. She reserved special praise for the event’s headline sponsor, AIBEN Properties Ltd, led by Chief Dr. Andy Elerewe, for their unwavering support.

 

“Over the past week, we have witnessed incredible teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship from all the competing teams,” Ike noted. “Football has once again proven to be more than a game — it is a platform for connection, resilience, and community.”

 

She also applauded the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for their active participation, saying their involvement highlighted the evolving inclusivity of the tournament and inspired women across professions.

This year’s NUJ FCT Football Tournament was more than just competition — it served as a platform to promote healthy living, foster professional relationships, and reinforce the importance of teamwork across institutions.

 

With growing interest and support, the tournament continues to evolve into a signature event on the FCT sporting calendar, showcasing the best of sporting spirit among Nigeria’s professionals and public servants.

 

As the curtain falls on the 2025 edition, the message is clear: sports, when embraced in the right spirit, can build bridges across sectors and strengthen the fabric of society.