Sports
NFF President Hails Gov. Alex Otti, Declares Abia the ‘Home of Football’ in Nigeria
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has lauded Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his unwavering commitment to sports development, describing Abia as “the home of football in Nigeria.”
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Gusau praised the state’s rich football history, noting that Abia has produced landmark achievements, including back-to-back African continental titles.
“The history of sports in Nigeria cannot be complete without a mention of Abia State,” Gusau remarked.
He highlighted the remarkable growth of Abia Warriors FC under Governor Otti’s administration, recognizing the club as “one of the top three clubs in Nigeria.” The NFF President also called for the rehabilitation of the Umuahia Township Stadium and pledged the federation’s technical support to ensure the facility meets international standards.
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports, promising to sustain Abia’s leading role in Nigerian and African football.
“Sports development will remain one of my topmost priorities to ensure Abia remains a major player in sporting activities at the continental and global levels,” the governor stated.
Governor Otti revealed that work will soon begin on the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium as a short-term solution, while unveiling ambitious plans for a Stadium City project in Umuahia.
“I have already approved the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium to make it what a stadium should look like. That’s our immediate intervention,” he explained.
“But we also have a long-term solution – the Abia Stadium City. The land has been acquired, designs are ongoing, and it will be a complex with an entertainment village, plazas, a conference center, and residential apartments.”
Governor Otti described football and sports in general as a “uniting factor”, stressing that good governance is about positively impacting the lives of the people.
He thanked the NFF for its support and assured that Abia would continue to back the federation’s initiatives. The governor also used the occasion to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the recent achievements of the Super Falcons, noting their performance as a source of pride for Nigeria.
The visit was attended by key stakeholders, including Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; John Obuh, Chairman of Abia Warriors FC; and other prominent figures in the state’s sporting community.
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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