By Joy Odor
Real Estate Giant, AIBEN Property has confirmed it will host and sponsor the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Football Tournament in 2026, reaffirming its commitment to fostering unity through sports.
The announcement came on Thursday during a courtesy visit to AIBEN’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Andy Elerewe, by an NUJ FCT Council delegation led by Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike.
Elerewe praised the NUJ for using football as a bridge between journalists, security agencies, government institutions, and the private sector, describing the tournament as “more than just football, it’s a platform for camaraderie, networking, and social cohesion.”
“As a show of our continued partnership, we will provide our Maralago Sports Complex along Kubwa Expressway as the venue for the tournament, and maintain our role as title sponsor,” he said, adding that he plans to personally take to the pitch during the event.
During the visit, the NUJ team presented Elerewe with tournament promotional materials and a customised jersey with the number 10.
Ms. Ike commended AIBEN’s steadfast support, particularly in the early years when the competition was organised solely by the Correspondents’ Chapel.
The tournament’s 3rd edition will hold from August 18–23, 2025, at the Area 3 and Area 10 Football Fields in Abuja, featuring teams from AIBEN Properties, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal High Court (FHC), NDLEA, SWAN, the Nigerian Air Force, and the NUJ.
The draw and press conference are set for August 12 at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako. The FRSC won the 2023 and 2024 editions back-to-back.
