Newly inaugurated leader of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Football Coaches Council, Coach Oluwole Babatunde, has pledged to prioritise unity, coaches’ education and stronger collaboration with the state body to advance grassroots football development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Babatunde spoke on Saturday in Abuja after the inauguration of the new AMAC Football Coaches Council leadership at the Old Parade Ground football pitch in Area 10.

“Today’s inauguration is a moment of great joy for me. I am happy the election was conducted peacefully,” he said.

He acknowledged that some stakeholders initially doubted the process but said the election was successfully conducted with the support of the state body, the Independent Monitoring Committee (IMC) and leaders of the association.

“Many people thought the process would not go smoothly, but with the support of the state, the IMC and our leaders, everything went well,” Babatunde said.

He noted that one of his administration’s key priorities is to strengthen the relationship between the council and its parent body, the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), FCT Chapter.

“In the past there was a gap between the state body and AMAC. That should not be the case because the state is our parent body,” he said.

Babatunde also emphasised plans to prioritise coaches’ education and professional development.

According to him, the council is already exploring partnerships with international organisations, including Roxburgh in Switzerland, to expose members to new coaching perspectives.

“We plan to invite experts from outside the country to help change the mindset of our members,” he said.

He also revealed plans to invite international scouts to the latter stages of the FCT Football Coaches Unity Cup to provide players with opportunities to showcase their talents globally.

On infrastructure challenges, Babatunde lamented the shortage of football facilities in the FCT.

“The Area 10 football pitch is not in very good condition, and most activities now take place at the Area 3 football pitch. We are managing the situation as best as we can,” he said.

In his remarks, outgoing AMAC Football Coaches Council leader Ambimbola Samuel urged the new executives to promote unity and inclusiveness.

“Now that they are leaders, they must see themselves as leaders of everyone, not just those who voted for them,” he said.

He explained that football coaching activities in the FCT operate through six area councils — AMAC, Kuje, Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari — which coordinate grassroots football development.

Also speaking, chairman of the **Nigeria Football Coaches Association FCT Chapter, David Bartholomew, described the inauguration as long overdue and expressed confidence in the new leadership.

“We are happy with the new executives and there are signs they will perform well,” he said.

Bartholomew urged them to continue the work of the previous administration, particularly in grassroots development, competitions and workshops for coaches.

He also decried the shortage of football facilities in the FCT, noting that about 30 clubs currently train at the Area 3 football pitch.

“If you visit the Area 3 pitch, you will see that about 30 clubs train there regularly. The facility is limited to just the playing field without adequate supporting infrastructure,” he said.

According to him, some coaches have already taken legal action to compel authorities to address the shortage of sports facilities in the territory.

The newly inaugurated executives will serve a four-year tenure from 2026 to 2030.

Other members of the executive include Coach Ifeanyi Ubah (Vice Leader), Coach Mike Attah (General Secretary), Coach Temidayo Faleyimu (Treasurer), Coach Emeka Anyimba (Training Officer), Coach Okocha Anagha (Financial Secretary), Coach Peace Ihu (Provost) and Coach Sunday Nku (Assistant Training Officer).

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