Sports
Presidential Cup: Coaches, Players, Express Excitement, As MKO Stadium Abuja Back To Life
Joel Ajayi
Years after Abuja National Stadium went comatose, the 66,000 capacities newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium in Nigeria’s capital territory is back to life as the four-team invitational tournament will be played in the stadium today Friday 10 December 2021.
Coaches, players, express Excitement of the four-team expressed excitement, joy, and happiness to be set of the team and players to play at the newly renovated pitch.
The pre-season tournament-tagged Presidential Cup will see four top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams participating which include; Akwa United, Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars of Akure.
Speaking ahead of the tournament of Akwa united Coach Kennedy Boboye expressed: “I am happy that we will be lucky to be the team to play at the MKO Abiola renovated stadium, we are here to participate in this tournament to see how it help in our strength because we unable to play any major tournament since we out of the champion league so this one will be a good one for us for the season.”
On his own, the kano pillar keeper Joshua Enaholo said: “I will be delighted that our team was invited to come and open the MKO its honor to us to man the post against sunshine for me I will be very happy I have yet to play on natural grass it will help than the artificial pitch we came out prepared and we glad to be part of it.”
As for Lobi star of Markurdi Captain, Daniel Atsaka he said: “We are looking forward to it, I have the opportunity to play there before because most of the pitches are synthetic we always prefer grass, and our target as a team is to win that is our target.”
Also speaking Stanley Nwabali Lobi star player expressed: “I heard about the pitch but never play there before but I will be very happy playing at the pitch at the opening of the stadium tomorrow I am very happy. It is a very good tourney to start the league season.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles last played at the Abuja stadium in 2012.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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