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
Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30
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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