Sports
2026 5Stars Premier League Final: Bella Shmurda, Jaywillz, Goya Menor, Others Set to Light Up Abuja-Lagos Clash
Joel Ajayi
The stage is set for the grand finale of the 2026 5Stars Premier League, with Abuja’s Hood FC taking on Lagos-based Sir J FC for the coveted ₦4 million grand prize.
The final, themed “The Reawakening 8 – Building the Future of African Sports Through 7-a-Side League,” will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 4pm at the Showtime Arena, Lekki, Lagos.
The competition began with 32 teams drawn from Lagos and Abuja, battling through regional stages for a place in the national finale.
Hood FC emerged from a competitive Abuja bracket that also featured All Stars, Turf Arena FC and Nero City FC, while Sir J FC overcame strong opposition in Lagos to secure their place in the final.
The showdown promises an exciting clash between two of the tournament’s standout teams, with both sides eyeing the major prize and national bragging rights.
Adding further excitement, a consignment of sports kits from Jersey in the United Kingdom, facilitated by former FA President Ricky Weir, has arrived for the successful players.
The grand finale is expected to attract top government officials, corporate leaders, sports personalities and entertainment figures, with the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, the Ministers of Youth and Interior, Seyi Tinubu, Kunle Fakeye and former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins among the invited guests.
The event will also feature performances from leading entertainers, including Goya Menor, Bella Shmurda, Slimcase, Jaywillz, Dami Adenuga and SexySteel, as the 5Stars Premier League brings its latest edition to a spectacular close.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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