AIBEN to host 2026 NUJ FCT football tournament

AIBEN Property, a key player in Nigeria’s real estate sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports and media development by pledging to host the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Football Tournament in 2026.

The announcement was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Property, Mr. Andy Elerewe, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the NUJ FCT Council, led by its Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Elerewe praised the NUJ’s initiative of using football to promote unity among journalists, security agencies, government institutions, and the private sector. He emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between AIBEN and the media, which he described as instrumental in fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.

“As a demonstration of our continued support, AIBEN will provide its Maralago Sports Complex along the Kubwa Expressway as the venue for the 4th edition. We will also maintain our role as title sponsor,” he announced.

Elerewe noted that the tournament serves beyond its sporting purpose, offering a vital platform for networking, team building, and engagement among participating organizations.

During the visit, the NUJ FCT Council presented Mr. Elerewe with promotional materials for the tournament, including banners, flyers, and a customised jersey numbered 10.

The AIBEN boss expressed his excitement for the event and promised to actively participate by joining the pitch during the games.

In her remarks, Ms. Grace Ike commended AIBEN’s consistent support, especially during the early editions of the tournament when it was spearheaded by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.

“Football is a universal language that brings people together. This tournament has become a rallying point for journalists and stakeholders across various sectors,” she said.

The 3rd edition of the tournament is set to kick off from August 18th to 23rd, 2025, at the Area 3 and Area 10 Football Fields in Abuja. The draw and press conference will hold on August 12th, 2025, at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako by 10:00am.

Participating teams include: AIBEN Property, FRSC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal High Court, NDLEA, SWAN, Nigerian Air Force, and NUJ.

The tournament, which began in 2023 under the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, has seen the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emerge as back-to-back champions in 2023 and 2024.

Editing by Daniel Adejo