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.

Sunshine Stars Appoint Ex-Captain Abe Sunday as Match Reader

Sunshine Stars FC has appointed its former captain, Abe Sunday, as a match reader, alongside ex-international Kayode Idowu. This was announced by the club’s Media Officer, Femi Atolagbe, in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to Atolagbe, the club’s Chairman, Bamidele Ologunloluwa, also directed that the team’s number 10 jersey, once worn by Sunday, be retired for the season as a mark of respect. Ologunloluwa emphasized that Sunday’s vast experience remains valuable for the club’s growth and performance.

Abe Sunday, who captained Sunshine Stars until the 2023/2024 season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), officially announced his retirement from active football on Wednesday.

Kayode Idowu, who joins him as a match reader, is an ex-international known for representing Nigeria in a 2001 Super Eagles match against Madagascar.

“Abe Sunday is a pride to Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole. His knowledge and experience are crucial for our future success, and that is why we have appointed him and his colleague to these important roles,” Ologunloluwa said.

Sunday’s career includes representing Nigeria in the U-17 AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. He also played for the national U-23 team and the home-based Super Eagles in 2010. On the club front, Sunday had a stint in Albania with Teuta Durres FC during the 2017/2018 season.

The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) congratulated Sunday, commending his long-standing contributions to Sunshine Stars as he transitions to his new role.