Team FCT has secured qualification for seven team events at the forthcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, later this year. The qualification was achieved during the North Central Zonal Elimination held in Jos, Plateau State, where teams competed in football, handball, beach volleyball, and the traditional sport Abula.
Team FCT emerged victorious in several categories, including female basketball, male football, male handball, male Abula, and both male and female beach volleyball. The male basketball team also secured a second-place finish, earning their spot in the national festival.
FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, attributed the team’s success to the hard work of the athletes and technical crew. He also highlighted the supportive environment created by the FCT Administration under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike. Istifanus emphasized that the recent awards to athletes and timely provision of logistics have significantly boosted the team’s morale and performance.
“What you are witnessing now is just the tip of the iceberg,” Istifanus said. “We are positive and in high spirits that such excellent performances will be replicated at the sports festival in Abeokuta. The support from the FCT Minister, especially the recent awards to athletes and prompt provision of logistics, is having a positive effect on the team.”
Istifanus revealed that Team FCT’s goal for the national festival is to achieve a single-digit placement, preferably within the top seven. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to meet this target, citing ongoing non-stop training and preparations.
The 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta promises to be a highly competitive event, and Team FCT is determined to make a strong showing, building on their recent successes in the zonal eliminations.
