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Friends, neighbours and rivals: the Story of the Madrid Derby through the years

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By: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka

The Madrid derby between the city’s two biggest teams – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – is a more than century-long story of friends, neighbours, and most of all, rivals.

Although the city of Madrid currently boasts five LaLiga teams, as Getafe, Leganes and Rayo Vallecano all have gained promotion in recent seasons, Real versus Atleti is the big one for many natives of the city, known as madrileños. The derby is now the most played game in Spanish football history, and among world football’s most celebrated fixtures.

After Real Madrid were officially established in 1902, and then Atletico the following year, the two sides faced off in various friendlies and unofficial meetings before the first recorded official meeting in the Campeonato Regional Centro, a 1-1 draw on 2 December 1906.

“El GRAN DERBI”: SEVILLA FC VS REAL BETIS

SEVILLA VS REAL BETIS, ALWAYS AMONG THE MOST COLOURFUL OF LALIGA’S DERBY CLASHES

Sevilla, the Andalusian capital, is home to one of Spanish football’s most colourful derby meetings, between the city’s two LaLiga sides, Sevilla FC and Real Betis. It’s such a big game that it’s become known as ‘El Gran Derbi’… “The Big Derby.”

Both among LaLiga’s most historic clubs, and both previous Primera Division title winners, the Seville derby rivalry is one which has divided allegiances and even families within the city for over a century.

A strong British influence existed when organised football was first played in Seville back in the last decade of the 19th century. The first club in Seville was created in 1890, while today’s Sevilla FC were founded in October 1904. Real Betis Balompie came into being just three years later.

After many official and unofficial early meetings in competitions as diverse as the Copa de Sevilla, Copa del Duque de Santo Mauro, Andalusian championship and Southern Regional Championship, the two clubs were founder members of LaLiga’s second tier, with Betis winning both 1928/29 meetings, 3-0 away and 2-1 at home.

THE VALENCIA DERBY: VALENCIA CF VS LEVANTE UD

LEVANTE’S CONTINUED RISE SEES THE VALENCIA CITY DERBY ESTABLISH ITSELF AS ONE OF LALIGA’S KEENEST LOCAL RIVALRIES

The Valencia city derby between Valencia CF and Levante UD has grown in recent years into one of Spanish football’s keenest local rivalries.

Also known as the ‘derbi del Turia’ for the river which runs through the centre of Spain’s third-biggest city, the fixture has really picked up steam in recent decades as Levante have established themselves in LaLiga Santander, with all the clashes and controversies that brings.

Los Granotas’ [the frogs] actually pre-date their local rivals by a decade, with Levante Futbol Club playing its first game in 1909, while based in the seaside El Cabanyal district of the city. Valencia Club de Futbol then arrived in 1919, closer to the centre at Mestalla, with the first ‘official’ derby being played the following year in the Valencian Regional Championship.

When LaLiga began in 1928/29, Valencia began in the second tier, earning promotion to the top flight within just three seasons.

THE BASQUE DERBY: ATHLETIC CLUB VS REAL SOCIEDAD

LALIGA’S BASQUE DERBY A UNIQUE FIXTURE IN WHICH LOCAL RIVALRY NEVER BREAKS COMMON BONDS

LaLiga’s Basque Derby is a unique fixture in world football, with the rivalry between Bilbao’s Athletic Club and San Sebastian-based Real Sociedad going way past just football.

The historic enmity between the Basque country’s two biggest cities, industrial Bilbao and aristocratic San Sebastian, found a sporting outlet when football arrived in the early 20th century.

Athletic Club, using the English spelling, was founded in 1898 by Bilbao-born engineering students who had studied in the United Kingdom. San Sebastian’s Real Sociedad de Futbol [Royal Society of Football] was soon established 100 kilometres along the coast in 1909, with the official seal of Spain’s King Alfonso XIII.

Exhibition and friendly games between the clubs immediately began, with the beginning of the Basque Regional League in 1913 bringing official status.

THE CATALAN DERBY: FC BARCELONA VS RCD ESPANYOL

LATEST INSTALLMENT OF LALIGA’S LONG-RUNNING CATALAN DERBY SURE TO BE EXTRA SPECIAL THIS YEAR

The rivalry between the two clubs dates right back to the beginnings of organised football in the city, three decades before the establishment of LaLiga. There have also been Catalan derbies (also known locally as the ‘derbi barcelonés’) through the years in the Copa Del Rey, Spanish Supercopa, Copa Catalonia and the now defunct Fairs Cup. While 25-time LaLiga winners Barcelona have often come out on top, Espanyol are always eager to upset their historically more successful neighbours.

The two clubs had similar but ultimately different origins at the turn of the 20th century. Barcelona were established by Swiss student Hans Gamper in November 1899, with many of the founder members coming from the city’s cosmopolitan ex-pat community. Espanyol were set up the following October, with locally-born engineering student Angel Rodriguez Ruiz as president and the team drawn mostly from migrant workers from other Spanish regions such as Andalucía, Extremadura, Galicia and even Madrid.

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MTN Nigeria Excites Fans with The Manchester Derby

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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MTN Nigeria Excites Fans with The Manchester Derby
MTN Watch Party

MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.

Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.

These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.

Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations. 

Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.

Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”

One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.

Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”

Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:

“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.” 

With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.

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We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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MTN and Super Eagles
MTN loves the Super Eagles

…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe. 

MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”

Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.

 The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.

 “Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”

 As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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Portugal Football Club signs Nigerian
L-r: President, Brito Sport Club, Jose de Castro Dias and Nigerian-born young footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah during the official contact signing in Portugal recently.

Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.

The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.

Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.

At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.

A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.

The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.

The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.

It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.

“While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.

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