Shaibu To Lead NUJ Team in 3rd Edition of Football Fiesta
NUJ FCT Sports Committee members LEFT TO RIGHT - Bob Etemiku (Coach FCT-NUJ Football Team), Odion Musa (Skipper), Joy Idam (member), Rt Hon Shaibu, Jide Oyekunle (Secretary of Council) and Osita Chidoka (Chairman Sports Committee FCT NUJ).
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Council has secured the participation of Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (N.I.S), Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, as captain and top striker for their team in the 3rd edition of the NUJ Football tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 18 to 23, 2025.
The NUJ FCT Sports Committee, led by Secretary of Council, Jide Oyekunle, paid a visit to Rt. Hon. Shuaibu to congratulate him on his appointment as Director General of N.I.S and to request his participation in the football festival. The committee’s 5-man team included Chairman Chidoka, Coach Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, Captain Odion Musa Fernando, and Princess Joy Omagha Idam, Head of Medicals.
Rt. Hon. Shaibu accepted the invitation, citing his admiration for the work of journalists in promoting democracy in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of sports in repositioning Nigeria and expressed his willingness to support the NUJ’s efforts.
The Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, former Edo state Deputy Governor, has previously played for the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel in the 2nd edition of the Football Fiesta, where he played as a valued striker for the full 90 minutes.
The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Sports Committee, Comrade Chidoka, a former Chairman of SWAN FCT expressed confidence that the 3rd edition promises to be bigger and better, with best practices and standards being followed.
Key Participants:
1. Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu: Director General of the National Institute for Sports (N.I.S) and captain/top striker for the NUJ team.
2. Jide Oyekunle: Secretary of Council, NUJ FCT, and leader of the NUJ FCT Sports Committee’s visit to Rt. Hon. Shaibu.
3. Comrade Osita Chidoka: Chairman of the NUJ FCT Sports Committee.
4. Coach Bob: Member of the NUJ FCT Sports Committee.
5. Captain Odion Musa Fernando: Member of the NUJ FCT Sports Committee and team captain.
6. Princess Joy Idan: Head of Medicals, NUJ FCT Sports Committee.
The stage is set for an exciting tournament, with Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu leading the NUJ team to victory. 16 Teams competing for one trophy.
Coach Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, is optimistic that this time around Team NUJ is participating to Win. ‘My boys are set to lift the trophy’, Coach Bob said.
