Several football enthusiasts, including Yusuf Ahmed, sponsor of the 2017 FCT SWAN Five-A-Side Football Tournament, on Thursday heaped encomiums on the FCT chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The enthusiasts, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, praised the FCT SWAN for a well-organised tournament.
NAN reports that the five-a-side football tournament which kicked off on Nov. 16 and ended on Thursday was held at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.
Ahmed, also known as “Fresh’’ and is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee), said he was impressed with the level of organisation of the football tournament.
He added that he was highly honoured to have sponsored the tournament.
“It was a very well-organised event and not only I but the entire leadership of the NFF is proud to be associated with FCT SWAN.
“Competitions such as this must be encouraged to continue and that is why I have personally chosen to be part of this lofty idea,” Ahmed who is Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee said.
He also renewed his commitment to the continued support and sponsorship of the tournament.
“My doors are always wide open for future sponsorship of this tournament.
“I will also implore the Executive Committee of the national body of SWAN to also feel free to knock on my door at any time,” Ahmed said.
Also speaking, Bayo Onanuga, the Managing Director of NAN, said he was amazed by the quality of the tournament.
“I didn’t really think the tournament will be this big and so well-attended. I was so surprised when I arrived here to see what was going on.
“I was amazed by what the organisers have achieved with this event and I find it impressive.
“I think FCT SWAN needs to be encouraged further to help them organise this tournament yearly.
“So that by next year it will be an even bigger event organised at the Abuja National Stadium.
“As journalists, we cannot continue to work all the time without taking out a little while to rest and exercise ourselves,” he said.
Dilichukwu Onyedinma, the FCT Director of Sports, also expressed her delight at the organisers’ efforts in putting up a good tournament.
She then assured that the FCT Sports Council would remain solidly behind the tournament.
“It was indeed a one-of-a-kind football tournament. It surpassed my expectations and those of so many people alike.
“The tournament was so wonderfully organised and I think this is the best and first of its kind in the history of FCT SWAN.
“We at the Sports Council are partners in progress with FCT SWAN and we will continue to encourage and support them in our own little ways,” Onyedinma said.(NAN)