COACHES HONOUR OUTGOING FCT SPORTS DIRECTOR WITH VALEDICTORY FOOTBALL MATCH

By: Gyang Dakwo

Retiring FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, was on Wednesday honoured with a valedictory novelty football match organised by the National Association of Football Coaches (NAFC), FCT chapter, in collaboration with the Lugbe Football Coaches Society.

Held at the Area 3 Sports Complex, the event celebrated Istifanus’ years of service to sports development in the Federal Capital Territory, with coaches describing him as a committed and impartial civil servant whose leadership encouraged cooperation across the sector.

Chairman of the FCT chapter of the NAFC, Bartholomew David, said the outgoing director had maintained a strong working relationship with football coaches throughout his time in office through an open door policy that made collaboration easier.

“Throughout his tenure as a director, we have enjoyed a reliable relationship with him, cordial relationship with him. He has an open door policy, and he works with us coaches from outside to support the staff in carrying out their responsibilities,” David said.

He said Istifanus deserved the honour because of his fair and supportive approach to leadership.

“So when you have a non-biased personality like that, there is that need for us to honour him upon leaving office.”

David also used the occasion to highlight the challenges facing football development in the FCT, citing a shortage of playing facilities. He said only the Area 3 and Area 10 pitches were available for use despite the growing number of football clubs, academies and National League teams competing for access. He appealed for more sports facilities to be built across the territory to support grassroots development.

Former National Under 15 head coach Usman Haruna Ilerika and former Under 23 silver medallist and ex Super Eagles player Femi Ajilore were among the notable names that featured in the novelty match, entertaining spectators with flashes of the quality that marked their playing careers.

Neither side found the breakthrough in the opening half, but the Lugbe team returned after the interval with greater intensity and controlled possession through a series of flowing passes. Their pressure eventually produced the only goal of the match as they secured a 1 – 0 victory.

Responding to the honour, Istifanus expressed appreciation to the coaches for organising the event and said every achievement recorded during his tenure was made possible through collective effort.

“I only succeed with your collaboration, your contribution. I will continue fighting for sports development. I want to appreciate the people who worked close to me,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of working with all stakeholders in sports development.

“There are certain people that you cannot leave at the garage. If you want to succeed, you must go along with them.”

Istifanus urged his successor to maintain a close working relationship with coaches and sports associations to sustain the growth of sports in the FCT.

Management and staff of the FCT Sports Department attended the event alongside the President of the Nigerian Archery Federation and Deputy Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mohammed B Abdullahi, as well as football enthusiasts who came to celebrate the outgoing director.

Highlights of the ceremony included the NAFC presenting Istifanus with a commemorative plaque and a branded jersey in recognition of his service.