Sports

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

Published

12 months 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

Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30

Published

12 hours ago

October 22, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.

The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.

Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.

The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.

The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.

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