By Aderonke Ojo
City Football Club of Abuja, a Nigeria National League (NNL) side, has unveiled its new team jersey in a colourful ceremony at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a novelty match against NAF FC, which ended in a resounding 4-0 victory for City FC.
The match served as both a test of strength and a show of preparedness ahead of the new NNL campaign.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of City FC, Chidi Okonkwo, said the unveiling symbolised unity and the pride of the FCT.
“We unveiled the jersey to show that the team belongs to the entire FCT,” he said.
“This signifies our readiness for the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, marking a fresh chapter in the club’s journey as one of the capital’s rising football teams,” he said.
He said that the new season offers another opportunity for City FC to achieve the long-awaited promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), having narrowly missed out by just one point in the past two seasons.
“It’s long overdue for City FC to be in the Premier League. We missed promotion by one point twice.
“This time, with the level of preparation and confidence in the squad, I don’t think anything will stop us,” he stated confidently.
Okonkwo also expressed confidence in the club’s logistics and technical setup, revealing that the team recently participated in an international tournament in Tanzania as part of its preseason build-up.
“If the logistics were not in place, I wouldn’t have the confidence to demand promotion from the technical crew.
“As a former player, I know logistics is key. We have done our part; now it’s up to the players and coaches to deliver,” he said.
As the team prepares for its opening league match against Lobi Stars, a former NPFL side, Okonkwo said his expectations are clear and nothing less than a win.
“We are not going to share points with Lobi Stars. If we want promotion, we must make a statement.
“It’s not about names, it’s about performance,” he added.
He applauded the growing unity among football stakeholders in the FCT, noting that past internal rivalries among local clubs had hindered the region’s chances of producing a Premier League team.
“For the first time, all FCT teams have come together to stop the infighting.
“You can see former EFCC FC and NAF FC coaches and players now working with City FC.
“Everyone has agreed to support one team to reach the top,” he said.
City FC’s head coach, Yamoah Richard, echoed his chairman’s optimism after the team’s convincing win, describing it as a reflection of the club’s commitment to grassroots development.
“We started from the grassroots and now we are here. The 4-0 win shows that the players are ready.
“We just need to fine-tune a few areas before the league kicks off,” Richard said.
NAF FC head coach, Suleiman Ibrahim, attributed his team’s loss to fatigue, noting that his players had played multiple matches during the week.
“I believe the match could have ended in a draw, but the boys were tired.
“We will return to the drawing board and prepare better for our next outing,” he said.
On his part, NAF FC captain, Kassa Jeffrey, commended City FC’s performance and promised improvement from his own side.
NAN reports that the unveiling ceremony featured the presentation of the team’s home and away jerseys, along with official league kits for players and officials.
The event attracted fans, football stakeholders, and club supporters who gathered to celebrate the team’s new identity and ambitions for the upcoming season. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
