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
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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