Stakeholders Laud City FC Abuja’s Year-End Awards Initiative

Posted : 26 December 2025

Stakeholders in Nigerian football have described City Football Club of Abuja’s maiden End-of-Year Celebration and Awards Night as a major boost for player motivation and football development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The event brought together football administrators, club executives, players, supporters, and stakeholders from across the country.

It marked what many described as the first awards ceremony of its kind by a Nigeria National League (NNL) club in the FCT.

Chairman of Coal City FC, Agu Chukwemelie, praised City FC’s leadership for setting a new standard, urging other clubs to emulate the initiative.

“This is the first of its kind in the FCT, and it is something that other clubs should learn from.

“I am very happy with what City FC has done, and I encourage more clubs to adopt this model,” he said.

Also speaking, Barry Ifedi, a member of the All Stars Football Club of Abuja, described the ceremony as a morale-boosting initiative that would inspire improved performances.

“There is nothing like recognition and appreciation. You can see the happiness among the players. This will push them to work harder and help the club reach greater heights.

“Very few clubs have done this over the years, and it shows the chairman’s exposure, both locally and internationally. He is simply bringing global best practices into Nigerian football,” he said.

City FC stakeholder Sir Onyeka Ogbum described the event as timely and significant, stressing the need for collective support for the club, which remains the only NNL side representing the FCT.

“This is a very important event meant to encourage players. City FC is the only NNL club in the FCT, and everyone must put their hands on deck to ensure the club succeeds.

“My donation to the players is a small token to show appreciation and support. Monetary encouragement, no matter how little, helps uplift players’ morale,” he said.

City FC head coach Richard Yamouh, who was named Clubman of the Year, reflected on his long-standing relationship with the club chairman and expressed optimism about the team’s future.

“The chairman recognised me from my time in Ghana and brought me back to Nigeria.

“I played under him, and now I am the head coach of his team. This is a big responsibility,” he said.

He noted that the team did not start the season well in the first round but expressed confidence that it would turn things around on resumption.

“I assure our fans and stakeholders that we will do better,” he said.

One of the highlights of the evening was the double recognition of City FC midfielder Joseph Donaltus, who emerged as both Most Impactful Player and Player of the Season (2025).

Expressing his gratitude, Donaltus described the awards as both unexpected and motivating.

“I feel very happy and privileged to receive these awards.

“I did not expect it, but I gave my best and was rewarded.

“I thank the management, coaches, and my teammates who contributed to this achievement.

“This is the first time the club is doing something like this, and I pray that my teammates will also be recognised as we continue to fight together for the success of City FC,” he said.

Other stakeholders hailed the initiative, expressing hope that it would inspire similar programmes across clubs in the Nigeria National League and beyond.

Stakeholders Laud City FC Abuja’s Year-End Awards Initiative

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