The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCTFA) has postponed the kick-off of the 2026 FCT Division One League from July 8 to July 13 to enable participating clubs to complete their registration and player licensing processes.
Key Highlights:
- The FCTFA postponed the league’s kick-off from July 8 to July 13 due to slow club registration.
- Only four clubs had completed registration as of Wednesday, prompting the extension.
- Clubs that fail to complete registration and player licensing by the deadline will be replaced, with no further extension.
- The competition features 24 clubs in four groups, with matches to be played at the Old Parade Ground and Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.
- The eventual champions will represent the FCT at the Nationwide League One Division Two National Playoffs.
FCTFA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika, disclosed the development in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, explaining that the decision was taken due to the slow pace of registration by clubs.
According to him, the association wants to ensure that every player participating in the competition is properly registered and licensed before the league begins.
“We initially fixed July 8 for the commencement of the competition, but we had to postpone it because the response from clubs regarding registration has been slow.
“We want to start the league on a fresh note where every participating player has a valid licence. We do not want a situation where someone plays without a licence from the beginning of the competition,” Ilerika said.
He disclosed that only four clubs had completed their registration as of Wednesday, urging the remaining teams to meet the registration deadline.
Ilerika said all participating clubs have until 2 p.m. on Thursday to submit their completed registration and licensing documents to the FCTFA Secretariat for onward processing at the Nationwide League One (NLO) office in Abuja.
He warned that there would be no extension of the registration deadline, stressing that any club that fails to comply would be replaced.
“There will be no extension of the registration deadline. Any club that fails to complete its registration by the close of business on Thursday will be replaced. We want every club to comply before the competition begins,” he said.
The FCTFA secretary reiterated that no team would be allowed to participate without valid player licences, describing the FCT Division One League as the premier grassroots football competition in the nation’s capital.
He noted that the association was determined to eliminate issues relating to player eligibility, licensing disputes and protests by ensuring strict compliance with league regulations before the opening match.
“That is why we decided to shift the kickoff by a few days to ensure everything is properly in place,” he added.
Ilerika also cautioned clubs against registering players who featured for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs or any Nationwide League One (NLO) side during the just-concluded or ongoing season, warning that such violations would attract sanctions.
“No club will receive preferential treatment. The rules apply to everyone, and every participating team must comply with the registration requirements,” he said.
The competition will feature 24 clubs divided into four groups of six teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Matches will be played at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, and the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.
The eventual champions will earn the right to represent the Federal Capital Territory at the Nationwide League One Division Two National Playoffs.
“We are determined to organise a credible competition that will produce a worthy representative,” Ilerika stated.
He added that the association had also sensitised participating clubs on the need to provide qualified medical personnel and adequate medical equipment at match venues to safeguard players’ welfare.
“We have also met with the referees, and they are ready. We expect every stakeholder to play their part in ensuring a successful competition,” he said.
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Ilerika pointed to the recent promotion of Neurospark FC Abuja to the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) after topping the Nationwide League One playoffs in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as evidence that proper preparation and compliance with league regulations yield positive results.
“The success of Neurospark FC shows what proper preparation can achieve. We have continued to educate clubs on what is required of them, and we are pleased with the level of compliance. We will enforce all regulations to ensure a successful and credible competition,” he said.
The participating clubs have been drawn into four groups. Group A comprises Zuko FC, Gwarinpa United FC, Sofae FC, Sporting Dream FC, Fine Trust FC and Defence Strikers FC, while Group B consists of Basic Maracana FC, FHA FC, FGT FC, Royal FC, Making FC and Abeess FA.
Group C features CASMATT FC, Youthful Ballers FC, Pride FC, Kickers FC, 1st Touch FC and Capital Athletic FC, while Group D includes Footwork FC, Burna Boys FC, Abaji FC, My Hope FC, Stewart FC and Optimum Sports FC.
