by Ola Williams
Abuja, Nigeria– Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has been announced as the brand ambassador for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Iloenyosi was unveiled during the draw ceremony for the second edition of the NUJ/FCT Correspondents Chapel three-day football tournament, which is set to take place from July 11 to 13.
Expressing his gratitude, Iloenyosi pledged significant support for the tournament. “I am happy and honored to be the brand ambassador of the tournament,” he said. “I am even happier that it is in connection with the development we’re putting in place in my state, Anambra. For the first time, the governor of my state, Charles Soludo, has included sports in the budget, thanks to our efforts. I will support massively as an individual within my capacity.”
Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, highlighted the tournament’s goal of fostering stronger relationships between the media and participating organizations. “Today marks another milestone in the history of NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel with the hosting of the second edition of our football tournament tagged ‘Football for friendship and peace,’” Oyekunle stated.
He further explained, “The three-day tournament aims to strengthen relationships. We are using football to promote and shape synergy with these organizations, particularly the security agencies our members interface with daily. Football is a unifying factor, transcending language, religion, ethnic, and political backgrounds. It heals wounds, bonds people, and is an antidote for physical fitness, mental health, and alertness, especially in today’s economic reality.”
The tournament, held at the Area 10 football pitch, Old Parade Ground, will feature teams from various organizations including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal High Court (FHC), NNPCL, NUJ, Customs, NDLEA, and SWAN.
This year’s edition sees an expansion from eight teams in 2023 to fourteen teams.
