ABIMBOLA Samuel, the Technical Adviser of Casmatt Football Club, says his team will not be intimidated by any opponent as it advances to the quarter-finals stage at the ongoing 2026 Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) League in Abuja.
Samuel gave the assurance after Casmatt FC defeated One Touch FC 2-1 in their replayed Group C fixture at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja, on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Casmatt FC were earlier held to a 2-2 draw by One Touch FC in their final group match on Aug. 6.
However, following a protest by One Touch FC, the FCT FA reviewed the matter and ordered a replay, which Casmatt won 2-1.The victory secured Casmatt FC’s passage to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Samuel said the team’s were drawn in Group C, comprising Pride FC, Capital Athletics FC, Youthful Ballers Academy and One Touch FC,
He said the team’s progress was the result of hard work, discipline and the players willingness to learn and adapt.
“I want to give glory to God Almighty, and I also want to give credit to the boys, who are learning very fast.Some of them came into the team as new players, while others have been with us for some time.
“ We were able to blend everyone together and ask ourselves a simple question: Do we just want to participate, or do we want to make a statement?
“They all agreed that we should make a statement,” he said.
He said the players had responded positively to the technical and tactical instructions given to them, adding that their ability to put what they had learnt into practice had contributed to the team’s progress.
Samuel said the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA’s ) decision to order a replay of the One Touch FC fixture gave Casmatt another opportunity to prove its strength.
“That is the replay we have just played today , and thankfully, we won 2-1. It has been a great experience.
“Like I said earlier, the boys have agreed that they want to make a statement, and that is what we have discussed with them from the beginning of the league,” he said.
The technical adviser said the team would approach the quarter-final stage one match at a time while keeping its ultimate objective in sight.
“I believe the next stage is the quarter-final, and we will move forward to face our next opponent, taking it one step at a time.
“Once the opponent is announced, we will know what we need to do. If, by God’s grace we go beyond the quarter-final, then we will start thinking about the ultimate goal,” Samuel said.
He said Casmatt FC respected all the teams in the competition but would not be intimidated by any opponent.
“Every team is good, and we are not going to look down on anybody. We respect all the teams that have participated, but we are not afraid of anyone.
“Every team that registered for this competition is a threat because, in football, surprises can come from anywhere.
“However, we are not going to let that intimidate us. We will make sure we stand our ground, play our football and leave the rest to God,” he said.
Samuel also emphasised the importance of discipline and good character among the players, saying talent alone was not enough to guarantee a successful football career.
“As a technical adviser, I teach them both football and morals. I make them understand that no player can come across me without learning discipline.
“I always tell them that the only thing that can stop your career may be your attitude. Your attitude can ruin you, but if you have a good attitude and combine it with the talent you possess, the sky will be your limit,” he said.
He urged the players to remain focused on their responsibilities on the pitch and respect match officials.
“I have also told them that, as players, we have our own responsibilities, just as the referee and the officials have theirs. Our job is to play our football and allow the referee to do their part,” he said.
He further advised the players not to be distracted by reactions from supporters during matches.
“Whether the fans react to you negatively or positively, use it to make yourself stronger. Never react emotionally.
“Remember that whenever you do something wrong on the pitch, people may not only look at you; they will also look at the head of the team. So, do not embarrass the team in public,” he said.
Samuel recalled that Casmatt FC also featured among the teams that reached the Super Four stage of the 2025 FCT FA League before eventually exiting the competition.
He said the club would build on its current progress and remain focused on making a strong statement in the 2026 competition.
NAN reports that Casmatt began their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Pride FC before recording a 1-0 victory over Capital Athletics FC.
They subsequently defeated Youthful Ballers 3-2 before overcoming One Touch FC 2-1 in the replayed fixture.
At the end of the group stage, Pride FC topped Group C with eight points, while Casmatt FC finished second with seven points.
One Touch FC and Capital Athletics FC occupied third and fourth positions respectively, with four points each, while Youthful Ballers finished at the bottom with one point.
NAN reports that the 2026 FCT FA League commenced on July 13 at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja, with 24 clubs drawn into four groups.(NAN)
A.I
Aug. 11, 2026
Tags: Abimbola Samuel Casmatt FC
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