Joel Ajayi
The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) has dismissed what it described as a misleading and unfounded allegation regarding its handling of pitch allocation at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.
In a statement signed on Monday by the Head of Media and Communications, Uche Nwudoh Hillary, the association said recent reports suggesting unfair treatment of Insurance of Benin FC were inaccurate and capable of creating unnecessary confusion within the football community.
The FCT FA expressed concern over what it called careless and unprofessional reporting, warning that such narratives could damage reputations and distort public understanding of events.
According to the statement, the Area 3 Pitch has consistently been used for lower league matches, tournaments, and grassroots football development programmes within the Federal Capital Territory, in line with the association’s mandate to promote football at all levels.
It explained that the controversy arose after Insurance of Benin reportedly requested access to the facility for a training session ahead of a Federation Cup fixture. However, the request coincided with already scheduled Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) matches, which had been booked for the same time period.
The association said it responded through its Board Secretary, politely informing the visiting club that the pitch was fully committed to official league matches running from morning to late afternoon, involving multiple fixtures.
FCT FA maintained that at no point was the request denied out of bias or ill intent, stressing that the scheduling conflict made it impossible to accommodate additional use without disrupting approved competitions.
The body also questioned expectations that it should suspend or reschedule official league matches to accommodate training activities, describing such a move as impractical and inconsistent with standard football administration practices.
It further clarified that it has no rivalry with Insurance of Benin and noted that the association does not field a team in the Nigeria Premier Football League, dismissing suggestions of any underlying conflict as baseless.
The statement added that Abuja has several alternative training venues, including the Goal Project Pitch and facilities within the MKO Abiola National Stadium complex, which visiting teams can explore when scheduling challenges arise.
Reaffirming its commitment to football development, the FCT FA said the Area 3 Pitch remains open to clubs, organisations and stakeholders whenever it is not in use for official activities.
It urged journalists and media practitioners to adhere strictly to professional ethics, verification of facts and balanced reporting, especially in matters affecting sports administration.
The association called for greater understanding and cooperation among football stakeholders, noting that the growth of the game in Nigeria depends on transparency, mutual respect and responsible communication.
