Sports

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

Published

1 month 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

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

12 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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