Sports
IBRAHIM Gbogboade scored the lone goal as Kicker FC defeated Youthfull Ballers FA 1-0 in the opening Group C fixture of the ongoing 2026 Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) League on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Area 3 Football Pitch,saw both sides battled evenly in the first half, displaying discipline and tactical organisation, with neither team could break the deadlock in spite of creating several scoring opportunities.
On resumption of the second half, Kicker FC returned with greater attacking intent as Stephen Abah, Taofeek Sanusi and Ibrahim Zakari repeatedly tested the Youthfull Ballers defence.
In the 50th minute, Abidemi Kayode found Ibrahim Gbogboade with a precise pass, but the Youthfull Ballers defence stood firm and denied the striker.
Five minutes later, Gbogboade combined well with Kayode, who laid the ball off to Taofeek Sanusi before it was worked to Stephen Abah who crashed against the crossbar.
Youthfull Ballers responded in the 58th minute when Nathan Frank set up Gbenga David, whose effort sailed over the crossbar.
Kicker FC continued to threaten in the 61st minute when Kayode again released a cross pass to Gbogboade, but his effort also went over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Gbogboade made a determined run into the penalty area before hitting the ball that bounced into the net to give them the 1-0 lead.
Youthfull Ballers came close to equalising in the 87th minute after the referee awarded them a penalty following a collision in the penalty area.
However, Passion Willie of Youthfull Ballers struck the crossbar from the spot, allowing Kicker FC to hold on to victory. The game ended 1-0.
Speaking after the match, David Adediran ,head coach of Youthfull Ballers FA, said although his side was disappointed with the result, they remained confident of achieving promotion.
“This was our first game of the season and we came with the intention of winning, but unfortunately we lost.
“We had the opportunity to get a point through the penalty, but we failed to convert it. It is only our first game and we still have four matches to play.
“This is our third appearance in this competition and our target remains promotion. We believe we can recover because many teams have lost their opening matches and still gained promotion,” he said.
Adediran also commended the Federal Capital Territory Football Association for sustaining the competition, that this has continued to provide opportunities for young players to showcase their talents.
“ Several players from my academy had secured opportunities abroad through the platform over the past three years,” he said.
Kicker FC captain, Abidemi Kayode, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, describing the victory as a positive start to the campaign.
“We are happy to begin with a win. Although we created many chances and failed to convert some of them, the most important thing is that we secured the three points.
“Our focus is now on the next match against One Touch FC, and we hope to improve our finishing, score more goals and record another victory.
“The officiating was fair and I have no complaints about the referees,”he said.
Group C comprises Casmatt FC, Pride FC, Youthfull Ballers FA, Kicker FC, One Touch FC and Capital Athletic FC.
NAN reports that in other Group C matches, Casmatt FC and Pride FC played out a 1-1 draw, while Capital Athletic FC defeated One Touch FC 2-0.
NAN reports that Kicker FC will face One Touch FC at 9 a.m. on July 21, while Pride FC will take on Youthfull Ballers FA at 11 a.m. in the second round of Group C fixtures.
2026 FCT FA League, which commenced on July 13, at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja, features 24 clubs drawn into four groups.(NAN)
A.I
July 16, 2026
Tags: Ibrahim Gbogboade