Sports

Clash of Legends: Barcelona Greats Face African Icons in Abuja Today

Published

6 days ago

October 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Abuja the Nigeria Capital city is set for a thrilling football spectacle as Barcelona Legends face off against the African Legends at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

The event promises more than just a game—it is a celebration of football heritage, talent, and camaraderie, bringing together legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Organized by the Atom Foundation in partnership with Transcorp Hilton, the match also champions a noble cause. Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s initiatives for young girls, including education and sports programs, merging the excitement of football with impactful philanthropy.

At a pre-match press conference held at Transcorp Hilton, nostalgia and anticipation were palpable. Barcelona legend Gaizka Mendieta Zabala, renowned for his midfield mastery, praised Nigeria’s football culture and highlighted the country’s rich talent.

“Nigeria has always produced exceptional players. It’s an honour to be part of an event that celebrates their skills and dedication,” Mendieta said, recalling icons like Finidi George, Jay-Jay Okocha, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Sunday Oliseh.

Echoing this sentiment, Dele Ayenugba, former Super Eagles goalkeeper, described the match as an opportunity to reunite with fellow players and celebrate the love of football. “This game is more than just a match; it’s about friendship, memories, and the beautiful game,” he said.

Dr Zanaib Mohammed of the Atom Foundation highlighted this year’s focus on empowering the girl child through the “Keep Her Learning” initiative.

The program provides menstrual education, disposable sanitary products, and support to ensure young girls aged 10–18 do not miss school due to period-related challenges. This year, the foundation aims to reach 20,000 schoolgirls, particularly in rural areas where access to proper facilities remains limited.

The Barcelona Legends squad will showcase iconic stars, led by Mendieta, blending experience with flair. The African Legends, featuring former stars from across the continent, promise a dynamic display of strength, skill, and creativity.

Fans can expect a captivating clash of styles—European finesse versus African power and ingenuity—making this a must-watch event for football enthusiasts.

With football, culture, and philanthropy coming together, Abuja is poised for a historic day as legends from two continents lock horns in a memorable showdown.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

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