Sports
FCT Teqball Association, Sports Council Partner To Develop Future Stars
The Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Sports Council and the FCT Teqball Association (FTA) has partnered towards developing future stars in Teqball in the nation’s capital.
In a press statement issued by FCT Teqball Association, Media officer Olawale Ayeni revealed that both parties made the pledge when the FCT Teqball Association (FTA) board members led by the chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Galadima, paid a courtesy visit to the FCT’s Acting Director of Sports, Mr Luka Istifanus in his office on Thursday in Abuja.
The FCT’s Acting Director of Sports, Mr Luka Istifanus, commended the Teqball association for their giant strides towards placing the nation’s capital on the world map as regards Teqball, while adding that,the FCT administration would support the association’s quest in developing future stars.
“On behalf of the FCT administration i want to commend the FCT Teqball Association for the great work they have been doing so far to ensure the development of the sports in the FCT.
“Our doors are always open to provide all the needed support to the association, both human and technical support,towards taking the game to all the six areas councils in the FCT” he said.
Earlier, the chairman FCT Teqball Association, Alhaji Abubakar Galadima, said that the association is out to make Teqball a household name in the nation’s capital adding that the game would be introduced to schools in the FCT.
He further revealed that preparation are in top gear to host a successful Teqball competition in the FCT next month.
“We have hosted some tournaments in the past and we are looking forward to taking the sports to schools in the FCT so as to build future stars.
“Already we have three world class Teqball boards in the FCT, and we are hoping to get more to engage more people in the sports”.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
