Sports
Kano Pillars, Phoenix FC Book Spots in Final of 2025 Nigeria Amputee Football Championship
Joel Ajayi
Defending champions Kano Pillars and Lagos-based Phoenix FC have advanced to the final of the 2025 Nigeria Amputee Football Championship, after impressive semifinal victories that kept fans on their feet from start to finish.
The weeklong tournament — a showcase of grit, skill, and determination — has seen some of the nation’s finest amputee footballers battle for glory. It also doubles as a talent-scouting event, with standout players expected to be selected to represent Nigeria at the Amputee World Cup scheduled for Liberia, Costa Rica later this year.
In the first semifinal, Kano Pillars proved why they remain the team to beat, cruising past Niger FC with a commanding 3–1 victory. Star striker Usman Ahmed delivered a stunning first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 6th, 13th, and 20th minutes, while Niger FC’s Abubakar Ishaku netted a consolation goal in the 34th minute. The victory reinforces Pillars’ dominance and sets them up for a possible back-to-back title win.
In the second semifinal, Phoenix FC of Lagos left no room for doubt, thrashing Plateau FC 4–0. Onyekhaozuru Collins scored twice early on (8th and 13th minutes), while substitute Michael Joel, the tournament’s leading goalscorer, added another brace (23rd and 34th minutes) to seal a comprehensive win. Plateau FC will now face Niger FC in the third-place playoff on Friday.
Speaking after the semifinals, Chief Paul Maduakor, President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, commended the players’ passion and the technical teams’ efforts. He described the championship as a beacon of hope for physically challenged athletes across the country.
“I am proud of what I’m seeing,” Maduakor said. “These athletes are proving that physical challenges are not limitations but opportunities to showcase strength, skill, and resilience. This championship is more than just football — it’s a platform for empowerment and personal growth.”
He further called on private organizations and state governments to invest in amputee football, emphasizing the transformative power of sports in providing purpose and livelihood.
“Many of our players now ply their trade abroad and are improving their lives through the game,” he added. “With more support from the private sector, we can create an even stronger environment for persons with disabilities to thrive.”
Chief Maduakor also extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission for its continued support, which ensured the successful hosting of the 2025 edition.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
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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