Abuja: Bwari Area Council and Jay One FA emerged victorious in the 2026 FCT Football Association (FCT FA) Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament and Division One League, respectively, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bwari clinched the title by defeating Kuje Area Council 1-0 in the women’s tournament final at the Area 3 Football Pitch. In the contest for third place, Kwali Area Council managed a 1-1 draw against AMAC Area Council and subsequently won 3-1 on penalties to secure the bronze medal.
The women’s tournament, which kicked off on August 21, served as a platform for female footballers from the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory to highlight their skills. Salihu Kolo, First Vice Chairman of FCT FA, representing the Chairman Muktar Mohammed, emphasized that the annual competition aims to bolster grassroots football development and identify talented players for higher-level representation.
Kolo praised the Area Councils for their increasing engagement in sports and highlighted prior competitions in Kwali, Kuje, and AMAC. ‘Football is our food,’ Kolo stated, expressing optimism that other councils would follow Kwali’s lead in investing in grassroots football.
Iyiola Ogundele, Acting Director of FCT Sports Council, noted the rising interest in sports among youths across the territory, attributing it to continued encouragement from the FCT Sports Council through various sporting activities. Ogundele made an appeal to the media for greater publicity for sports competitions and young talents.
Pat Ayegba, sponsor of the women’s tournament, applauded the FCT FA’s efforts in organizing competitions for young female footballers and revealed that scouts had identified promising players during the event. Ayegba also announced plans for a larger third edition of the tournament in April 2027, aimed at reviving the FCT Queens and paving a path for young players into professional football.
Tukura Daniel, Chief of Staff to the Bwari Area Council Chairman, attributed Bwari’s victory to thorough preparation and a commitment to sports development, vowing to retain the trophy in future editions.
In the Division One League, Jay One FA defeated Basic Football Club 1-0 in the final match, securing the championship. The league, which ran from July 13 to September 5, earned Jay One FA the chance to represent the FCT at the NLO playoffs in 2027. Ezeude Justin, CEO of Jay One Football Academy and head coach, expressed gratitude for the victory, crediting the players, coaches, and management for their dedication. Justin urged the government to increase support for grassroots football to aid young players in advancing to professional levels.
Justin emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming NLO playoffs, stating, ‘There is no rest at all until we go there and get the ticket for the NLO. We are not relaxing at all.’