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THE Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCTFA) has postponed the commencement of the 2026 FCT Division One League from July 8 to July 13 to allow participating clubs complete their registration and player licensing processes.
The Secretary of the FCTFA, Haruna Ilerika, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ilerika said the postponement became necessary following the slow pace of registration by participating clubs.
“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,” he said.
He said only four clubs had completed the submission of their registration documents.
According to him, all clubs have until 2 p.m. on Thursday to submit their completed licensing documents to the FCTFA Secretariat for onward processing at the Nationwide League One (NLO) office in Abuja.
“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.
Ilerika said no club would be allowed to participate in the league without valid player licences.
He described the FCT Division One League as the biggest grassroots football competition in the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the association was determined to eliminate issues relating to player eligibility, licensing disputes and protests.
“That is why we decided to shift the kickoff by a few days to ensure everything is properly in place,” he said.
The FCTFA secretary also warned clubs against registering players who featured for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs or any Nationwide League One (NLO) club during the just-concluded or ongoing season.
He said such action contravened league regulations and 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.
Ilerika said the competition would feature 24 clubs divided into four groups of six teams each, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the knockout stage.
He said matches would be played at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, and the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.
According to him, the eventual champion will represent the FCT at the Nationwide League One Division Two National Playoffs.
“We are determined to organise a credible competition that will produce a worthy representative,” he said.
Ilerika added that the association had sensitised clubs on the need to provide qualified medical personnel and equipment at match venues to ensure the safety of players.
“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.
He cited the recent promotion of Neurospark FC Abuja to the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) as evidence that proper preparation and compliance with league regulations could produce positive results.
The FCTFA secretary noted that the club secured promotion after finishing top of the table at the recently concluded Nationwide League One playoffs in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
“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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 24 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.
Group B consists of Basic Maracana FC, FHA FC, FGT FC, Royal FC, Making FC and Abeess FA.
Group C has CASMATT FC, Youthful Ballers FC, Pride FC, Kickers FC, 1st Touch FC and Capital Athletic FC.
Group D includes Footwork FC, Burna Boys FC, Abaji FC, My Hope FC, Stewart FC and Optimum Sports FC. (NAN)
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Tags: Division One League FCTFA