Sports
Team Nigeria Clinches Bronze Medal at African Hockey Cup of Nations
Joel Ajayi
Team Nigeria’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have returned home after proudly representing the country at the African Hockey Cup of Nations (ACN) held in Ismailia, Egypt.
Comprising all local-based players who trained in camp for over six weeks in Abuja, the Nigerian teams delivered spirited performances against some of Africa’s top hockey nations, including South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and hosts Egypt.
The men’s team secured a bronze medal their best finish in recent years after defeating Kenya 3–1 in the third-place playoff. Nigeria’s James Samaila emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting an impressive eight goals.
The women’s team, who have also achieved bronze in previous editions, gave a strong account of themselves, narrowly missing out on a podium finish this time around.
President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking on arrival from Egypt, commended both teams for their dedication, teamwork, and resilience, pledging sustained support for the growth of the sport.
> “Our players showed the true Nigerian spirit. We’ll keep building on this foundation to achieve greater results,” he said.
Engineer Nkom further expressed pride in the teams’ performances, describing the bronze medal as a major boost for the sport’s development in Nigeria.
> “Our players displayed exceptional passion and discipline throughout the competition. This achievement is a significant step forward for Nigerian hockey,” he added.
The Federation expressed appreciation to the Sports Commission, sponsors, and fans for their unwavering support and encouragement, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and international exposure for Nigerian players ahead of future tournaments.
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
