FCT Aims High For National Sports Festival After Minister’s Rallying Call

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sports team has vowed to shine at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following a strong push by FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike to compete fairly and win medals.

The team’s resolve was highlighted during Wednesday’s presentation of the festival’s ‘Torch of Unity’ to the FCT Minister, marking the start of its journey across the thirty six states.

The Torch arrived at the FCTA secretariat after a ceremonial welcome at the Abuja City Gate by officials from the FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the National Sports Commission.

Represented by Chief of Staff Hon. Chidi Amadi, Wike urged athletes and coaches to “excel and return with numerous victories,” emphasizing the Minister’s result-driven spirit:

“Our athletes and coaches, you are here to represent the Federal Capital Territory. Your Minister is a man who is committed to accomplishments and performance. So, we urge all of you representing FCT to go out there determined to ensure that you excel,” Amadi said, stressing Wike’s focus on “performance and excellence.”

Backing the Minister’s call, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Youth Development Secretariat, Comrade Ango Abdullahi, left no room for doubt about expectations:

“Our athletes must not only do their best—we want all the trophies. The Honourable Minister is a result-driven leader, and we have no excuse but to excel. FCT is coming for everything!”

FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, outlined strategic plans, revealing that 150 athletes will compete across 22 sports. While expressing expectations, he targeted a historic single-digit finish:

“At the 21st edition, we placed ninth. Now, we aim for fifth, sixth, or seventh. Winning the title isn’t impossible, but our focus is top-seven. Key hopes lie in gymnastics, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, athletics, and football.”

Istifanus emphasized that all sports are “medal hopeful zones,” citing improved readiness in previously underperforming disciplines. “We’ve trained purposefully. Even sports that struggled last time can surprise now,” he added, expressing confidence in the delegation’s mix of experience and emerging talent.

The Youth Development Secretariat has backed the team with intensified camps and logistical support, aligning with Barr. Wike’s performance-drive. Athletes, inspired by the Minister’s charge, have reportedly embraced a “no-limits” mentality, with coaches drilling for technical precision and resilience.

Athletes say recent rewards for past medal winners have boosted morale. “Knowing our efforts are recognized makes us want to fight harder,” one team member noted.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” will host thousands of athletes from across Nigeria later this year. For Team FCT, the mandate is clear: medals are non-negotiable. As Istifanus put it, “We’re not just participants, we’re ambassadors tasked with making Abuja proud.”