Sports
Michael Joel Hat-Trick Sparks Phoenix Rout as Plateau Shine on Matchday 2 of Nigeria Amputee Football Championship
Just like Victor Osimhen’s heroics for the Super Eagles, Michael Joel emerged the star of the day for Phoenix FC of Lagos, firing a stunning hat-trick in their 4–0 demolition of Niger State FC at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Amputee Football Championship.
Joel opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a composed finish, before Greema Mohammed doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute. The in-form forward then struck twice more — in the 37th and 45th minutes — to complete his hat-trick and seal an emphatic win for Phoenix FC as they launched their campaign in style.
In the day’s second encounter, Plateau State FC bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Kano Pillars with a commanding 3–0 victory over Kaduna State FC, who continue to struggle in this year’s competition. Goals from John Hyacinth, Idris Sulaiman, and Abdullahi Mohammed sealed the statement win, leaving fans thrilled by the team’s fluid attacking play.
Phoenix FC later returned for their second match of the day, edging Abba Gida Gida FC of Kano 1–0 to secure a place in the semi-finals.
With the group stage now concluded, the semi-final fixtures are set as follows:
Kano Pillars vs Niger State FC – 12:30 p.m.
Phoenix FC vs Plateau State FC – 1:30 p.m.
The winners will clash in the grand finale on Friday to determine the champions of the 2025 Nigeria Amputee Football Championship.
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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