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.

By Our Correspondent

Planned works at the proposed Games Village where athletes will be Housed for the Maiden Inter-Secondary Athletics Championship is almost completed and awaiting commissioning.

Recall that the Inter-Secondary competition begins on October, 18th to 24th inside mainbowl of Gombe Pantami Stadium.

The Chairman AthIetics Association of Gombe State Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe made this known after chairing a meeting with the MOC members and Sub-Committees in Gombe recently.

Gara-Gombe who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green (GWG) Sports Center Ltd, the sponsor of the project expressed excitement for work done at the Games Village.
He believes that AthIetes will find their accommodation at the games village very comfortable for relaxation and engender better performance.

Hon. Gombe who also received briefings from various committees thanked them for a job well done, urging them to expedite action on other projects for quick completion, according to him, the project already had cost millions of Naira.

History is in the making, this is the first time in Gombe State an individual is taking up a project from the scratch for the benefit of young talented AthIetes.
Gombe reiterated the benefit that accrued to Gombe as a State when he sponsored Primary schools AthIetics Championships in Gombe where AthIetes that represented Gombe State at the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba were drawn from.

Apparently happy for the achievement, the sports entrepreneur insisted that government should encourage private corporate bodies investments in sports through recognition for their effort.

On the importance of the AthIetics Championships, former Gombe United football club Chairman, maintained that, young talented athletes would be discovered, sports Awareness will grow while sports infrastructures would be developed, etc.
He informed that the passion for sports and talents discovery is what motivated him to embark on the project of sports sponsorship