Sports
Bethany Int’l College thrash Baptist Academy 2-0 to win maiden Gombe football tournament
Bethany Int’l College thrash Baptist Academy 2-0 to win maiden Gombe football tournament
Bethany International College football team has defeated their counterpart from Baptist Academy 2-0 to win the maiden football tournament organised for private secondary schools in Gombe metropolis.
The two-week tournament, which started with eight teams from eight different secondary schools in Gombe metropolis, climaxed with a scintillating and pulsating match played at the Bethany football pitch on Friday.
The final match was greeted with cheers from supporters and dignitaries who graced the event as players from both teams showed great skills and talents to the admiration of everyone.
The deciding moments came when Andrew Raphael broke the deadlock with a super strike that rendered the opponent’s goal-keeper helpless.
Baptist Academy boys showed resilience and fought hard towards equalising but their effort yielded no result and their hard work was punctured when the captain of Bethany Int’l College team, Japhet Nehemiah who is also the tournament’s highest goal-scorer with five goals, netted the second goal in the match to cement victory for his team.
Reacting in a post-match conference, the octogenarian, Mr Ayo expressed happiness for such a competition to be organised in his honour, describing the tournament as a good avenue to harness football talents and promoting sporting activities in schools.
“I observed strict orderliness and good discipline at the final stage. The overall winner emerged- The Bethany International College, Gombe.
“The salient motive for the tournament was to generate the good spirit of healthy competition and to encourage the essential and good spirit of hard work (diligence).
“I have observed the good beginning of the Spirit of Sportsmanship reaching out to the students of the participating institutions.
“I pray and hope that this will continue and will further enhance the production of great sports students. Amen.
“I congratulate all participants-schools/colleges, games officials, and all the organisers. I congratulate this year’s champions-The Bethany International College Gombe.
“ I am personally grateful for all the honour and respect done to me. May the blessings of God reward you. Amen!,” he said.
Mrs Benedicta A. Olaniyan, the school manager, Bethany International College, commended her school for emerging winner of the maiden football championship for private schools in Gombe metropolis.
Olaniyan said she was amazed that her students won the competition, “ I saw how they dedicated their time to practice for the competition. It’s was an exciting experience for the students. I pray that this tournament will be a continuation from now,” the excited manager said.
The competition was organised to honour Mr S. A. Ayo, one of Gombe’s football soccer legends, who donned the jersey of Gombe Town between 1957 and 1972, as he marks his 80th birthday in distinctive style.
The competition was sponsored by the Ayo Family as a way of appreciating their father’s deep positive contributions to the entire family, Gombe State, and the nation at large.
For winning the competition, Bethany male football players were adorned with gold medals and the team smiled home with N50, 000 cash prize while Baptist Academy team grabbed N20, 000 alongside their silver medals for being the runner-up team of the competition.
Our correspondent reports that the teams that participated in the competition include Bethany Int’l College Gombe; Zenith International, and integrated College Gombe; Onward group of schools and Savannah International School.
Others are Baptist Academy Gombe; Alheri model School Gombe; All Saints College Gombe, and Numba Royal Academy Gombe.
Bethany Int’l College thrash Baptist Academy 2-0 to win maiden Gombe football tournament
WAFU Qualifiers: Mailantarki Care FC beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles …
The Nigeria National team U-20 (Flying Eagles) suffered a defeat in the hands of Mailantarki Care FC in one of its series of preparatory games on Wednesday in Abuja.
The reigning Champions of the 2024 International Youth Championship in Denmark (Dana Cup) produced an all-around performance against the Nigeria National team outfit, the Flying Eagles at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s U-20 team began preparation last week ahead of the upcoming WAFU Championship scheduled in Togo, where the representatives of the zone in the 2025 U-20 nations cup will emerge.
Sensational wing wizard Miko Dalha scored the only goal of the game following a delightful footwork before smashing into the near post before the break.
The host could have equalized from the spot deep into the game just for Mailantarki goalie Abbati Muhammed to punch away the penalty kick. However, the Flying Eagles defeated Water FC 1-nil in its first game courtesy of Bayelsa United forward Rabiu Abdullahi.
Cristiano Ronaldo Criticizes Man United Manager Erik ten Hag’s Leadership
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has openly criticized Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for his approach since taking over the club.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Al-Nassr star voiced his frustrations over Ten Hag’s management style and mentality as the United boss.
Ronaldo, who spent two spells at Manchester United, emphasized the need for the club to have a winning mindset. “As a Manchester United coach, you cannot say you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. Even if you don’t have the potential, you must try,” Ronaldo stated.
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While acknowledging that the appointment of the Dutch manager was a step in the right direction, Ronaldo suggested that Ten Hag needs to listen more to former players and club legends to rebuild the club effectively. “People like Rio [Ferdinand], Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and Sir Alex Ferguson understand the club and how to handle players. Their experience is crucial for the club’s improvement,” Ronaldo added.
Since Ten Hag’s tenure began, Manchester United has seen mixed results, including a third and eighth-place finish in the Premier League and victories in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
However, Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford ended on a sour note following a public falling-out with Ten Hag, which led to the termination of his contract. Ronaldo later expressed feeling “betrayed” by the Dutch manager.
Ronaldo remains a United icon, having scored 145 goals in 326 appearances and won nine trophies with the club across his two stints.
Eguavoen Eyes Victory as Super Eagles Arrive in Kigali for AFCON Qualifier
Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in his squad’s “momentum” as they prepare for Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Eguavoen praised the team’s mindset following their dominant 3-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo, stating that the players are eager to maintain their winning form. “We have the right mentality now, and the mood in camp is excellent. Everyone is focused on securing the three points against Rwanda to stay on top of the table,” he said.
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The Nigerian delegation, including 23 players and officials led by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, arrived in Kigali on Sunday afternoon ahead of Monday’s training session. Team captain William Ekong emphasized the team’s determination, saying, “Our goal is simple – get the three points. We know Rwanda will be tough, but we are prepared to give our best from the start.”
The Super Eagles face a Rwanda team that earned a 1-1 draw against Libya in their opening match. Tuesday’s game will kick off at 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigeria time).
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