Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Association, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has called for urgent private sector investment and the introduction of a dedicated sports development tax fund to revitalise grassroots football and improve sports infrastructure across Nigeria.
Speaking during a media parley with sports journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Mohammed said the FCT has recorded notable progress in organising football competitions and attracting top Nigerian clubs such as Enyimba FC, Rangers International FC, and Kano Pillars to participate in local tournaments.
He noted that the FCT league system remains stable and competitive, with increased participation from clubs across different divisions. However, he lamented that many FCT-based teams continue to struggle with promotion to the Nigerian top flight due to financial and structural challenges.
According to him, the main issue affecting club development is not lack of talent but sustainability, as many teams lack adequate sponsorship, long-term planning, and strong professional management compared to established state-backed clubs.
He observed that Nigerian football is increasingly moving towards privately owned club models, which he said offer more sustainable growth, citing Remo Stars as a successful example of consistent private investment driving club development.
Mohammed also expressed concern over the poor state of sports infrastructure in the FCT, noting that the shortage of functional pitches and abandonment of facilities is hindering grassroots sports development. He warned that without proper infrastructure, Nigeria may continue to struggle in producing consistent talent for national and international competitions.
To address the challenge, he proposed the creation of a sports development tax fund similar to the education tax system, which would ensure sustainable funding for training centres, community pitches, and regional sports hubs nationwide.
He further stressed the need to protect existing sports facilities from encroachment and conversion into commercial property, noting that many school and community pitches are disappearing rapidly.
Mohammed reaffirmed the FCT FA’s collaboration with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), including hosting league and Federation Cup matches and supporting national team development programmes.
He concluded by calling for stronger partnerships between government, private investors, and the media to rebuild sports infrastructure and secure the future of grassroots football in Nigeria
