Abimbola Samuel, Technical Adviser of Casmatt Football Club, says his team will not be intimidated by any opponent as it advances to the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2026 Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) League in Abuja.
Samuel gave the assurance after Casmatt defeated One Touch FC 2-1 in their replayed Group C fixture at the Area 3 Football Pitch on Monday.
The match was ordered by the FCT FA following a protest by One Touch after the teams had earlier played a 2-2 draw on Aug. 6.
Samuel said Casmatt’s progress was a 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 team’s technical and tactical instructions, adding that their ability to apply what they had learnt had contributed to their progress.
Samuel said the replay gave Casmatt another opportunity to prove its strength, adding that the team would approach the quarter-finals one match at a time.
“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,” he said.
He said Casmatt respected every team in the competition but would not be intimidated.
“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 stressed the importance of discipline and good character, warning that attitude could affect a player’s 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 focus on their responsibilities, respect match officials and avoid reacting emotionally to supporters during matches.
Casmatt finished second in Group C with seven points behind Pride FC, which topped the group with eight points. One Touch FC and Capital Athletics FC finished third and fourth with four points each, while Youthful Ballers Academy placed fifth with one point.
Casmatt had earlier drawn 1-1 with Pride FC, defeated Capital Athletics FC 1-0 and beat Youthful Ballers 3-2 before the replay victory over One Touch FC.
The 2026 FCT FA League commenced on July 13 at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja, with 24 clubs drawn into four groups.
