The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emerged as the victors in the inaugural Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel’s three-day football tournament. The Safety Shooters claimed victory by defeating the Federal High Court (FHC) team 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
In addition to the football tournament, a captivating novelty match took place, where NUJ President Christopher Isiguzo led the FCT Correspondents Chapel’s team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Representing the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dauda Ali Biu, the Corps’ Public Education Officer Bisi Kazeem, commended the NUJ Correspondents Chapel for their efforts in organizing the tournament. He highlighted the significance of the media’s involvement in sporting activities, emphasizing the positive impact of sports on the country.
Kazeem also expressed his appreciation for the long-standing collaboration between the FRSC and journalists, acknowledging their role in promoting road safety through their reporting and public education efforts.
NUJ National President, Christopher Isiguzo, praised the leadership of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel for organizing a successful and groundbreaking tournament. He applauded their ability to come up with wonderful initiatives and execute them effectively, leading to a remarkable event.
Isiguzo also congratulated all the participating teams, acknowledging their display of sportsmanship throughout the three-day competition. He expressed excitement at seeing journalists come together to exercise, acknowledging the importance of periodic exercise in their demanding profession.
The event featured a friendly atmosphere, as the NUJ correspondents’ team secured victory against the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the novelty match, with both sides demonstrating sportsmanship.
Veteran Journalist and Managing Editor of the Northern Region The Nation Newspaper, Yusuf Alli, lauded the efforts of the FCT NUJ Correspondents Chapel and looked forward to future tournaments with the same enthusiasm.
The Chairman of NUJ FCT Correspondents, Mr. Jide Oyekunle, emphasized that the tournament aimed to foster friendly relationships and strengthen cooperation among the participating organizations in the interest of the country. He highlighted the importance of leveraging sporting activities to bridge gaps and align interests for better working relationships.
The three-day tournament, which began on Thursday, saw various exciting matches with NDLEA defeating NOA by one goal. Other group stage results include NPF 3-0 NMA, FRSC 1-0 NUJ, and FHC 2-0 NBA. The final match between FHC and FRSC was set up after FHC defeated NDLEA 2-0 and FRSC defeated NPF 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The tournament received support from various sponsors, including Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi (Managing Partner Law Corridor), Julius Berger Nigeria, TI’ Bilon Construction, OrderPaper, Red Cross, FCT FA, FCTA, Hypeplug, GMW Insurance Brokers Ltd, A New Thing International Foundation, and Ti’ Bilon Healthcare Foundation.
