Sports Derby FC wins FCT President Cup opener
The 2025 FCT President Cup commenced on Monday at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja, with Derby Football Club’s male team emerging victorious against Total Dazzler FC with a 4-1 win.
The match saw both teams deliver impressive performances, with defender Famous Omole of Derby FC scoring the opening goal in the 27th minute.
In spite of Total Dazzler FC’s efforts, Derby FC maintained a strong lead, boasting more ball possession and attempting to pin down the opposition.
In the second half, Total Dazzler was awarded a penalty in the 61st minute, which was scored by Gesa Rapheal to level the score at 1-1.
However, Derby quickly regained their lead with Sani Isah scoring in the 66th minute.
This was quickly followed by Khumzhi Kurtak’s goal in the 77th minute, and Celestine Thomas’s fourth goal in the 87th minute to end the game 4-1.
Speaking after the match, Derby’s captain, Adetola Qurib, expressed his team’s determination to win.
He stated that they would face defending champions EFCC FC in their next encounter and aim to emerge victorious.
On his part, Total Dazzler’s captain, Augustine Ohiri, commended his team’s fighting spirit and acknowledged the winner, Derby FC.
He said: “This is our first time participating in a competition of this magnitude.
“It’s a pleasure and a good thing, and we appreciate our management for exposing us.”
Ohiri also expressed hopes for a better performance in the 2026 FCT President Cup.
Derby will face EFCC FC (the defending champion) on 10 Feb. 10 by 2 p.m. at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.
The teams competing in the men’s category are EFCC FC, Sporting Supreme FC, Dazzler FC, Legacy Stars FC, and Derby Academy.
Other teams are Galadima FC, Burnaboy Academy, Milantarki FC, FWC Champion FC, Setraco FC, and Access FC.
Like Minds FC, N Youth Academy, and Hybissuer Academy are also participating.
In the women’s category, the two teams competing are Naija Ratel FC and N Youth Ladies, who will play in the final.
The 2025 FCT President Cup runs from Monday to 23 Feb. 23, featuring 14 teams in the men’s category and two teams in the women’s category. (NAN)
