The maiden FCT Veterans Shield Football Tournament has been commended as an avenue that will further promote unity, peace and needed change for sports in the country.  

Acting Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr Haruna Jauro who stated this on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the competition in Abuja noted that when matured minds like veterans in sports meet, fruitful ideas would be discussed that will further change the game of football and sports in general in Nigeria.

Mr Jauro, who was represented by Alh. Aminu Saleh performed the ceremony kick off of the tournament that took place at the   FCT Sports Complex, Area 3 Garki, Abuja which has six veterans teams in participation.

Speaking to newsmen at the competition, Alh. Saleh said “I am glad to be here today and with what I have seen on ground here, I have seen a set of young men who are very determined in changing the face of football organization and packaging in our
country and I can assure you that the DG who is an ambassador of the CHANGE AGENDA will do anything within his powers to support this tournament and the organizers.”

He added further that “what we are seeing here today is no doubt the fruit of hard labor of determination and commitment towards the change we desire in our nation today.

“This will definitely bring about peace and unity as well as love among the football and sports families because positive ideas will be shared here apart from gaining fitness through the exercise, our door will continue to be open to you for support, feel free to knock.”

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zaura Energy, one of the partners of the competition, Alhaji Abdulsalam Saleh was full of praises to the organizers, Jotini Sports Services for putting tournament together while address just as he pledged more support to sustain it.

Acting Secretary of the FCT Football Association, Mr. Ilerika Usman Haruna was not surprised with the level of attention and support the tournament has received just as he solicited funding and more support for them.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Mr. Umar Giwa Platini reiterated his committee’s resolve towards re-branding football tournaments in the FCT and its environs as fans were entertained with classic performance from both teams.

FCT Coaches United FC defeated  Aleita All Stars FC 3-2 in the opening match as action resumes again next Saturday 31st October, at the same venue as Corporate Soccer Stars will battle with Keffi All Stars in the Group B opener.