TEAM FCT QUALIFIES IN SIX SPORTS, EYES GLORY IN ASABA

By: Gyang Dakwo

Team FCT has qualified in six sports during the North Central zone qualifiers for the upcoming National Youth Games in Asaba, scheduled for 26th August to 6th September 2025.

The zonal qualifiers took place from August 16 to 18 in Ilorin, Kwara State, where teams from Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue, and the FCT competed for national slots.

Team FCT secured places in both male and female basketball, male and female volleyball, and male and female athletics. The competition was fierce, with strong teams like Plateau, Niger, and host Kwara pushing FCT to bring out its best. Yet the team stood strong and earned their place in Asaba.

According to FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, the tough competition in Ilorin was actually a blessing in disguise.

He explained, “We faced real muscle out there, and it made us stronger and more united.”

He added, “We are now training even harder in all disciplines, and every day we push ourselves because we want to deliver our best in Asaba.”

The Director assured the FCT sports family that the team is training vigorously in every discipline to ensure optimum performance.

“Our drills are sharp, our focus is steady, and we are ready for Asaba,” he said with confidence.

This marks the third year in a row that Asaba will host the games, following successful editions in 2023 and 2024. The event will bring together thousands of young athletes from across the country in over 30 sporting disciplines.

Venues such as the Stephen Keshi Stadium, which has seen major upgrades in recent years, are set to welcome the athletes and fans.

The National Youth Games are more than just contests. They are a platform meant to discover and nurture young talent, a tradition that started back in 2013.