By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has honoured the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, for their contributions to sports development and the growth of the NUJ FCT Football Tournament.
Adeniyi was honoured as NUJ FCT Development and Media Partnership Patron, while Shaibu was named NUJ FCT Sports Ambassador.
The recognitions were presented during the grand finale of the 2026 NUJ FCT Football Tournament at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja.
Adeniyi, who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Comptroller-General, Samuel Onikeku, was recognised for his support towards the development of the NUJ FCT Council and its media partnership initiatives.
Shaibu, who was represented by the Institute Librarian, Dr. Omoh Asenokhai, was similarly appreciated for his contribution to sports development and his support for the tournament.
The honours came as the Nigeria Customs Service football team crowned an impressive campaign by defeating the National Institute for Sports 3-0 in the final to emerge champions of the 2026 competition.
Customs captain, Mikail Abubakar, opened the scoring before Familola Fatai doubled the advantage in the second half. Femi Omodara completed the victory with the third goal.
Abubakar finished the tournament as the highest goalscorer with five goals and was also named Most Valuable Player, while his Customs teammate, Charles Ahur, received the Best Goalkeeper award.
Ahur played a key role in Customs' title-winning campaign, including saving two penalties in the semi-final against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The Team NUJ received the Fair Play Award for their sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the organising committee, Comrade Ndubueze Chidoka, commended all participating teams and partners, noting that Customs won all five matches played during the tournament.
Eight teams participated in the one-week competition, including NUJ FCT Council, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Air Force, NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Television Authority and the FCT Football Coaches Association.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by her Vice, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, also commended the teams for displaying sportsmanship and using the tournament to foster unity among institutions and professional bodies.
