By Aderonke Ojo
The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Mouktar Mohammed, says football development in Abuja must be built on continuity, stability and sustainability rather than quick fixes.
Mohammed said this during a media parley at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
He said the association has continued to record progress in grassroots football, league organisation and national competitions in spite of the financial and infrastructural constraints.
According to him, Abuja has become a major destination for top Nigerian clubs including Enyimba FC, Rangers International FC and Kano Pillars FC, adding that the FCT hosted a Federation Cup semi-final for the first time in its history last year.
Mohammed, however, admitted that the FCT is still struggling to produce a club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“We cannot manufacture our way into the Premier League. It has to be organic and sustainable.
“He attributed the challenge to inadequate sponsorship and the dominance of state government-backed clubs with stronger financial capacity.
“He praised the emergence of privately-owned clubs in Nigerian football, pointing to Remo Stars FC as a successful example of long-term planning, patience and investment.
“Sustainable growth requires committed investors who understand the structure of the game and are willing to build gradually,” he said.
Mohammed also called for the creation of a sports tax fund that would support grassroots sports development, infrastructure, and youth training centres across the country.
He lamented the poor state of sports facilities in the FCT and revealed that several abandoned stadium projects across the area councils could transform sports development if completed.
He warned against the conversion of football pitches and school sports grounds into commercial projects, describing the trend as dangerous to youth development and grassroots sports.
“We must protect sports lands and facilities. Without infrastructure, football development becomes almost impossible.
“FCT FA maintains a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in hosting competitions and promoting grassroots football programmes in Abuja,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
