Kano Pillars Crowned Champions of 2025 Nigeria Amputee Football Championship

Kano Pillars have emerged champions of the 2025 Nigeria National Amputee Football Championship, which concluded in Abuja on Friday.

The Kano-based side, who are the defending champions, faced a strong challenge from Phoenix FC of Lagos in a thrilling final that ended goalless at regulation time.

The tension soaked finals was eventually decided by penalties, with Kano Pillars converting all their kicks while Phoenix missed two, handing Pillars a 3–1 victory.

The final lived up to expectations as both teams displayed exceptional skill and tactical awareness. Bethel Emmanuel caused problems for the Phoenix defence, while tournament top scorer Michael Joel, supported by the impressive Onyekozuru Collins, was a constant threat to the Kano Pillars backline. Despite several close chances, neither side could find a breakthrough before the game was settled by spot kick.

In the third-place match, Niger State defeated Plateau State 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw at regulation time.

Speaking after the final, President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, Chief Paul Maduakor, praised the overall quality of play and commended the younger players for their impressive performances.

“I’m impressed with the standard of play and the emergence of new talents from teams like Gidagida FC and Kaduna FC. It shows that the future of amputee football in Nigeria is very bright,” he said.

Chief Maduakor also lauded the Kano State Government for its continuous support for persons with disabilities, particularly amputee players, and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the upcoming Amputee World Cup.

“With the blend of foreign-based players and new homegrown talents we’ve seen here, I’m confident Nigeria will make a strong impact at the World Cup in Costa Rica ,” he concluded.