By ADERONKE OJO

Barca legends and African legends are set for battle in an exhibition game in Abuja for champions cup on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the highly anticipated champions cup will kick-off scheduled 3:00p.m. local time (16:00 H CEST) and football fans in Nigeria are in for a spectacular as global football icons converge .

The battle of the legends, now in its second edition, is not just about football but also about impact.

The game will see Barca legends featuring world football greats likec Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Jesús Angoy, Samuel Okunowo, Marc Valiente, and Fernando Navarro.

On the opposing side, the African Legends will showcase the brilliance of some of the continent’s greatest football heroes, led by Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Alex Song, and Mark Fish among others .

Speaking at a news conference on Friday in Abuja ahead of the event , Barca legend captain Gaizka Mendieta, said his team is excited to play in front of Nigerian fans once again.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic game. It’s always special to be back on the pitch, especially playing in front of passionate Nigerian fans,” he said.

On the other side, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba, representing the African Legends, assured supporters that the team is ready for an entertaining encounter.

“We are here to have fun and give the fans something to remember. It’s going to be a great day of football and camaraderie,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Dr. Zainab Mohammed, a medical consultant said that this is the second edition.

The Battle of the legends is more than a football spectacle,it carries a strong social message .

This is been organised by the ATOM Foundation, this year’s edition is dedicated to promoting menstrual health education through its initiative, “Keep Her Learning.”

She said the project aims to empower schoolgirls across Nigeria by tackling the challenges surrounding menstrual health and hygiene.

“Our goal is to reach 20,000 schoolgirls between the ages of 10 and 18, providing them with disposable sanitary products, education, and support,” she said.

According to her, many girls in rural communities miss school during their menstrual cycles due to lack of access to sanitary products, clean water, proper facilities and a challenge the initiative seeks to address.

“Our mission is to ensure that no girl misses school or feels ashamed because of her menstruation. With your support, we can make a difference.

“ The Foundation, the Keep Her Learning initiative will identify 50 public schools in underserved communities, distribute sanitary kits, train teachers.

Others are community health workers, and establish menstrual health clubs to provide safe spaces for girls,” she said.

She said that the charity match is being organised by the ATOM Foundation, in partnership with ZMB Homes and WGI.

“ This inituative aims to channel the excitement of football towards a noble cause and empowering the girl child through education and health awareness.

“ Saturday’s battle of the legends promises to be more than a sporting event. It will be a celebration of sport, unity, and purpose, with proceeds directed towards supporting menstrual hygiene education and keeping girls in school.

“This is not just about football; it’s about impact. “We want to use the power of sport to uplift and empower the girl child,” she said. (NAN)