By Nuhu Williams
The Chairman, Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondent Chapel, Comrade Jide Oyekunle has unveiled the twelve teams that will take part in the second edition of the Football Tournament tagged “Football for Friendship and Peace” in July.
The teams are NUJ Correspondent chapel, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Federal High Court (FHC).
Others are the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), AIBEN Group, the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Speaking at a press conference as part of activities to mark the tournament, Oyekunle said the three-day tournament would hold between 11th July to 13th July, 2024 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
He described the game of football as a unifying factor which does not only heal wounds and bond people together but also breaks the barriers of religion, ethnic and political differences.
He stressed on the need to promote love and unity among media organisations, professional bodies and government agencies as well as to enhance the physical fitness and mental health and alertness of the participating teams “in the face of the present economic reality and hardship.
According to him, the 3-day tournament is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the media and the participating organisations.
The Correspondent Chapel Chairman explained that the tournament is a knockout, meaning, when you are defeated, you are out of the game and it will be held on July 11th, 12th while the grand finale will be held on Saturday, July 13th at the Area 10 Football Field by Old Parade Ground, Garki Abuja.
“We are using football to promote and shape the synergy with these organisations particularly the security agencies whom our members always interface with on a daily basis.
“Football does not have language. Football is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of the religion, ethnic and political background.
“Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals the wounds and bond people together. It is one of the antidotes for physical fitness and mental health and alertness which we all need particularly in the face of the present economic reality and hardship.
Meanwhile, the tournament Ambassador and Chairman Anambra Football Association (FA), Chikelue Iloenyosi, promised his full support for the competition.
“I feel honored heart today, because of this great event that we’re about to do. Not only because l am made the ambassador, I’m going to support it massively.
“Somebody asked me a question why is it that every time they are giving me award. I have been in office for one and half years and l have received 17 awards because l am doing grassroots football and l am doing it with passion. That’s why my Governor put his trust in me, in everything l am doing” he said.
Tournament committee coordinator, Ediri Oyibo, who spoke on behalf of his members, said FIFA rules will apply during the competition while warning that any team that go against the rules will be sanctioned accordingly.
