SWAN battles NUJ as organisers unveil fixtures for 3rd FCT football tourney, kick-off August 18

Fixtures for the 3rd edition of NUJ FCT Football Tournament have been released ahead of kick-off date scheduled for Monday August 18, 2025 inside Area 3 football pitch and Area 10 football field, Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

This was after the official draws for the highly anticipated competition, designed on knockout basis, was conducted at the NUJ Council Utako on Tuesday. In all, 12 teams are set for hostilities and grouped in two parts of Group A and B.

In Group A, Federal High Court (FHC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are pitched.

For Group B, the battle line will be drawn between Nigeria Army, AIBEN, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Air Force (NAF).

At the end of first matches, two top teams from each Group are expected to qualify for the semi-final stage meant to happen on Thursday August 21.

According to the organisers, the third place match which will see the losers of the last four stage trade tackle will be decided on Friday August 22 at the Old Parade Ground, before the final clash on Saturday August 23.

Shortly after the draws, the NUJ FCT Council Chairperson Grace Ike while expressing optimitism with expected successful outcome of the tournament, enjoined all participating teams to go through and acquaint themselves with the rules of the tournament adding, “Every player and official must participate bearing in mind that it has to be in the spirit of sportsmanship.

“The essence of the competition is also to strengthen the relationship between the union and its partners.”

Citing one of the rules guiding the tournament, the NUJ chairman repressented by the council Secretary Jide Oyekunle again told participating teams to ensure that any allegation against the opponent or officiating official is with evidence.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Sports Week Organising Committee, Ndubueze Chidoka, who commended AIBEN, an estate property company and other partners for their support, said, “NUJ-FCT Council Football Tournament is not organised just for the fun of it; it is a call to duty, consolidating friendship and peaceful co-existence with other organisations.

“For us, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, this tournament is beyond winning a trophy- it will also enhance our physical, mental alertness as well as our wellbeing.”

The draws event witnessed by top dignitaries including the National Secretary-General of SWAN Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, was attended by representatives of participating teams.

Fixtures

Matchday 1 – Monday August 18

Group Stage Matches (Knockout)

FHC vs NPF – 10am
Army vs NAF – 11am
NCS vs FRSC – 12noon
AIBEN Vs NIS – 1pm
NDLEA vs NMA – 2pm
NUJ vs SWAN – 3pm

Matchday 2 – Thursday August 21
Semi-final Stage

A1 vs B2 – 10am
B1 vs A2 – 11 am

Matchday 3 (Third Place) – Friday August 22

Loser 7 vs Loser 8 – 10am

Matchday 4 (Final) – Saturday August 23

Novelty Match

NAWOJ vs Ex-NUJ Chairmen – 10am

Final

Winner 8 vs Winner 7 – 11am

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