By Our Correspondent

Abuja-based football club, Mailantarki Care FC have embarked on yet another brilliant international outing as they began their Gothia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Swedish side IFK Kumla 6-0 in their Group stage opener on Monday.

This is coming bare a year after Mailantarki FC won the most recent youth tournament in Denmark, emerging as the overall winners during the 2024 Dana Cup
A resounding 6-nil victory in the Gothia Cup opener against one of the host clubs, IFK Kumpa, has sent a clear message to the rival clubs in the tournament.

With much intent and a high-pressing game, the boys undid stubborn IFK Kumla, who proved to be more physical in the first 5 minutes before Ejiogu Samuel broke the jinx following his brilliant individual effort from the left flank.

The goals kept pouring in as IFK conceded further 3 goals courtesy of Apas Abel, Sadiq Ashiru, and Akiemute Godstime to round off the first half with a 4-nil comfortable lead.

However, Chukwusa Mathew bagged a brace after the restart to complete the rout on the Kumla based club.

Up next for the rising stars is German club MTV Ramelsloh on Tuesday 15th July, 2025 at the same venue of Torslandavallen, Gothenburg.”

Reacting to the win, Coach Idris Mohammed of Mailantarki FC described the win as a good morale booster for his boys while promising to ensure that his team work harder to sustain the feat.

He lauded his boys and the club management for their support.

Our Correspondent reports that Gothia Cup is the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament in Gothenburg, the second largest in Sweden after Stockholm.

The tournament runs from 13 to 19 July, with matches played on pitches across the city and surrounding areas.
Each year, around 1,700 teams from 80 countries take part in Gothia Cup.
This year, Gothia Cup celebrates its 50th anniversary having been on since 1975, with over one million young players from 147 nations have taken part in the event.

By Our Correspondent

Mailantarki Care FC has issued a strongly worded rejoinder in response to what it described as “false, malicious, and slanderous” claims made by Abubakar Abubakar, popularly known as “Yellow”, during a recent radio interview on Amana Radio’s Morning Sports program.

In a detailed statement signed by the club’s Director of Media and Communications, Adamu Usman Ahmed, the management of the Abuja-based club accused Abubakar of spreading baseless allegations aimed at discrediting the club’s president, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, and undermining his contributions to grassroots football development, particularly in Gombe State.

False Allegations on Haruna Aliyu’s Exclusion

According to the rejoinder, Abubakar—who is a coordinator with Gombe United FC—made unfounded comments linking Hon. Mailantarki to the exclusion of Gombe-born defender Haruna Aliyu from the Nigerian U-20 national team’s final squad list for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Egypt.

The club categorically dismissed Abubakar’s claims, pointing out that he holds no official role within Mailantarki Care FC, Doma United FC, or the U-20 national team. The statement emphasized that he lacked the authority or factual knowledge to speak on issues surrounding player transfers or national team selections.

“Abubakar was never part of any partnership discussions involving Haruna Aliyu and has no stake in either of the clubs. His remarks are nothing but a desperate attempt to smear the reputation of a man whose only ‘offense’ is investing heavily in football development,” the statement read.

Mailantarki’s Track Record in Football Development

Mailantarki Care FC used the opportunity to highlight the numerous initiatives and milestones recorded under Hon. Mailantarki’s leadership since the club’s inception in 2021. These include:

Sponsorship of players to Europe for trials and professional contracts.

Winning international youth championships such as the Dana Cup (Denmark) and Norway Cup.

Hosting the first-ever European scouting tournament in Gombe State.

Promoting indigenous talent through its Abuja-based senior team and Gombe-based U-17 feeder team.

Construction of a multi-billion-naira sports complex in Abuja.

Notable players who have benefited from Mailantarki’s sponsorship include Auwalu Mohammed Adamu (Armenia), Abdulrahman Saidu (Portugal), and Sadeeq MB (Denmark), among several others across various northern Nigerian states.

Rebuttal on Player Mismanagement Claims

The rejoinder also addressed allegations made by Abubakar regarding two players—Aminu Mohammed (Obi) and Ibrahim Yahaya—who he claimed were mistreated by Mailantarki. The club clarified that the players were legally contracted to Mailantarki Care FC and were loaned freely to Gombe United during the 2022/2023 season. It further alleged that Abubakar, during his tenure as acting General Manager of Gombe United, obstructed a European career opportunity for the duo after their impressive performance at the 2022 WAFU zonal competition in Niger Republic.

Awaiting Clarity on Haruna Aliyu’s AFCON Exclusion

On the matter of Haruna Aliyu’s omission from the U-20 AFCON squad, the club stated that the decision rests with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its technical committees. While disappointed, they suspect the exclusion may stem from contractual conflicts involving the player, who allegedly signed a new deal elsewhere despite a binding pre-contract agreement with Mailantarki Care FC.

Final Word: Focus on Football, Not Slander

In closing, the club called on football stakeholders in Gombe State and Nigeria at large to focus on meaningful contributions rather than divisive and defamatory rhetoric. The statement encouraged individuals like Abubakar Abubakar to channel their energy towards genuine football development rather than public character assassination.

“The facts speak for themselves. Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki has not only raised the bar in football development in Northern Nigeria but has created life-changing opportunities for dozens of young talents,” the statement concluded.

About Mailantarki Care FC

Founded in 2021, Mailantarki Care FC has risen rapidly through Nigeria’s football ranks, boasting international tournament wins, player transfers to Europe, and a growing reputation for nurturing homegrown talent. The club’s long-term vision includes the soon-to-be-completed Mailantarki Sports Complex in Abuja, poised to be one of the top sports facilities on the continent.

By Our Correspondent

Two promising youngsters from Kano Pillars FC, Abdulmajid Aminu and Ibrahim Sani Halliru, have been called up to the Nigeria U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, as preparations ramp up for the WAFU B U-20 playoffs. The tournament, which will be held from October 17th to 31st, 2024, in Lome, Togo, serves as a qualifier for the 2025 AFCON U-20.

Both Aminu and Halliru have risen through the ranks of the Kano Pillars youth academy, showing their talents in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season under the tutelage of Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah. Their call-up to the Flying Eagles is seen as a testament to their rapid development and impressive performances on the pitch.

Abdulmajid Aminu: The Rising Center Forward
Abdulmajid Aminu, a dynamic center forward, has been drawing attention for his goal-scoring prowess and ability to hold up play. Aminu has often cited former France international Karim Benzema as his football inspiration, a reflection of his technical ability and composure in front of goal. He also mirrors Kano Pillars’ legendary striker Gambo Mohammed in his movement and work ethic.

Aminu’s performances this season have been nothing short of impressive. He caught the eye in Kano Pillars’ opening match of the NPFL against Ikorodu City, where he made significant contributions. His potential was further highlighted in the club’s Match Day 3 fixture against Remo Stars, where he came on as a second-half substitute and provided much-needed energy and creativity in attack.

Ibrahim Sani Halliru: A Midfield Maestro in the Making
Ibrahim Sani Halliru, known for his creativity and intelligence in the attacking midfield role, is another standout from the Pillars’ youth system. Often likened to NPFL legend Rabiu Ali for his ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver precision passes, Halliru is also capable of playing on the left wing, a position where his agility and technical skill shine.

Like Aminu, Halliru has featured in crucial NPFL fixtures this season, including the games against Ikorodu City and Remo Stars. His versatility, combined with his sharp football IQ, has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Nigerian football.

Flying Eagles’ Challenge Ahead
The Flying Eagles, under head coach Ladan Bosso, will face stiff competition in Group B of the WAFU B U-20 playoffs. The group includes tournament hosts Togo, regional powerhouses Ghana, and the unpredictable trio of Niger, Benin Republic, and Nigeria. With only a select number of teams qualifying for the 2025 AFCON U-20, the tournament promises to be a fierce contest.

The inclusion of Aminu and Halliru in the national team setup will not only bolster the Flying Eagles’ squad but also provide invaluable experience for the young talents as they represent Nigeria on the continental stage.

With the tournament fast approaching, all eyes will be on these two Kano Pillars prodigies as they look to make their mark and help guide the Flying Eagles to qualification for the 2025 AFCON U-20.