Ahead of the Abuja International Carnival scheduled for November 23rd-25th of November 2024, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has commenced a government and private secondary schools tournament as part of activities leading to the main event.

The pre-event tournament is tagged FCT Junior Secondary School Football Tournament.

The tournament will hold from October 14th to October 18th, 2024.

According to the organizers in a brief released to the media, the tournament will commence with the Round of 16 and proceed directly to the final. The participating schools will represent Gwagwalada Area Council and AMAC (Abuja Municipal Area Council), and all matches will be held in the two area councils respectively (Government Day Secondary School, Gwagwalada and Government Secondary School, Tundun-Wada), while the semifinal and finals will be played at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.”

The brief stated further that, “The FCT Junior Secondary School Football Tournament serves as a pre-event for the Abuja International Carnival 2024, showcasing the vibrant talent of young athletes while promoting the broader mission of the carnival; unity, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

On the importance of the pre-event tournament, the brief further said, “The competition will also highlight the role of sports in youth development, encouraging teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among the students, while the carnival amplifies the messages of unity and national pride.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Carnival, Mallam Yankee said, “The tournament is designed to foster youth engagement, sportsmanship, and promote unity among junior secondary schools in both public and private sectors within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.”

Speaking at the official draw ceremony for the tournament which was held at the FCT Education Secretariat Hall, Utako, Mallam Yankee affirmed that the tournament would further create awareness and promote the culture of sports among young talents in the FCT.

During the draw, the participating schools were introduced properly to their group-stage matchups.

Group stage matches are expected
to be played on October 14th at Abaji: Government Day Secondary School; Kwali: Government Secondary School; Gwagwalada: Government Day Secondary School; Kuje: Government Secondary School; Bwari: Government Secondary School; AMAC: Government Secondary School, Tundun-Wada.

While the quarterfinals would be played on October 15th, the semifinals would hold on October 16th. The finals and 3rd place would be played on October 18th.

Participating schools include JSS Kwali, JSS Kilankwa, JSS Bako, ADJSS Asokoro, JSS Jabi, JSS Karu, JSS Hajj Camp, JSS Angwa-Dodo, JSS Gwako, JSS Dutse Sagwari, JSS Zuba, JSS Kubwa, Kuje: JSS Kuje, JSS Pasali, JSS Kayarda, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Abaji, JSS Sabo Gari and many others.

Also to participate in the tournament are some select private schools from all the area councils in the FCT.

Mallam Yankee further assures FCT residents of a successful tournament and a wonderful carnival never seen before in the country.

Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa had hailed the initiative, stating that such an event will further promote the message of social cohesion and national pride.