Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) and the FCT Sports Department to turn the nation’s capital into the primary hub for sports talent identification.
Omidiran stated aas much during a courtesy visit by FCT FA Chairman, Abba Mohammed Mouktar, and the Acting Director of the FCT Sports Department, Iyiola Ogundele, at the FCC headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing the delegation, Omidiran urged the sports department to upgrade local facilities, drive inclusive participation across all six Area Councils, and re-introduce structured coaching in schools.
“I want FCT to be the arrowhead of any detection of sporting talents—not only football, but all sports. We have to be intentional and see sports as something that can make Nigeria richer,” Omidiran said. “We can start by turning teachers with sports knowledge into coaches while working toward bringing in professionals.”
Her comments follow her attendance at the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Tournament opener last Friday at the Area 3 Football Pitch, where AMAC defeated Gwagwalada 7-0.
The former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee member and pioneer FIFA Women’s Football Committee member expressed deep concern over the recent national decline in women’s sports.
“I am in deep pains seeing that Nigeria can’t even qualify for the Women’s World Cup. If there is any time to change things, this is the time,” she added, calling for strategic investment to restore the country’s international standing.
Speaking earlier, Mouktar commended Omidiran’s grassroots legacy—including founding Omidiran Babes—and noted that a strategic alliance with the FCC would help mobilize the Area Councils for national competitions.
Ogundele added that the collaboration will target multiple disciplines beyond football, including gymnastics, to build structured pathways for young athletes in local communities.
