Former Nigeria U-20 Assistant Coach, Samuel Abimbola, has dismissed recent claims of a crisis within the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), insisting that the reports are baseless and the situation within the association remains calm and focused on football development.

 

Speaking as a guest on ECN TV’s weekly podcast, Hard Truth, Abimbola stated that the alleged crisis “exists only in the imaginations of those who conceived it,” and that the matter being speculated on has long been resolved.

 

“What actually happened was that the Chairman gave a certain young man, who is a board member, an assignment which he carried out excellently. Before you know it, stories started flying around about his ambitions and claims that he was trying to impeach the Chairman. That was never the case. The issue has since been handled, and everything in the FA has returned to status quo. Development activities have continued unhindered,” Abimbola explained.

 

Abimbola, who served as assistant to Coach John Obuh when Nigeria won silver at the 2009 U-17 FIFA World Cup, also used the opportunity to highlight the lack of a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club from the FCT since FC Abuja’s exit in 2008.

 

He pointed out that the dominance of government-run clubs in the territory has stifled ambition and professionalism.

 

“There are many football talents in FCT, but most of the clubs are managed by government agencies. These agencies treat football as a bureaucratic routine or social responsibility, not as a business. That mindset kills the drive for excellence. Without passionate and business-minded management, the players suffer and progress is slow,” he lamented.

 

Calling for urgent private sector involvement, Abimbola appealed to investors and corporate organizations to support the growth of football in the FCT.

 

“We need individuals and companies to see football as a serious business. There’s enormous talent here waiting to be discovered and nurtured.”

 

Despite the challenges, Abimbola revealed that grassroots football development is thriving in the FCT, with active programs ongoing in all six Area Councils — a result of what he described as the enabling environment created by the current FA leadership.

 

Abimbola, a seasoned coach, has managed several top clubs in Nigeria including Prime FC (now Osun United), Gateway United, and Sunshine Stars. His reputation for youth development and tactical knowledge remains respected across the Nigerian football community.