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.

Galatasaray Nears Loan Deal for Osimhen Amid Napoli Exit Drama

Turkish football powerhouse, Galatasaray, is on the verge of securing a one-year loan deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to inside sources.

The agreement, which has been reached in principle, will cover Osimhen’s salary, with both clubs finalizing details

Ingebrigtsen Breaks 28-Year-Old 3000m World Record

Jakob Ingebrigtsen set a new 3000m world record on Sunday in Silesia, Poland, clocking 7:17.55 and surpassing the long-standing record of 7:20.67 set by Kenya’s Daniel Komen in 1996.

The 23-year-old Norwegian’s performance at the 12th Wanda Diamond League meeting of the season was remarkable, especially following his recent loss of the Olympic 1500m title in Paris, although he secured gold in the 5000m event.

Ingebrigtsen, who previously held the third-fastest time in history with 7:23.63, made a decisive move over the final lap, finishing 10 meters ahead of the green light indicators. His victory also overshadowed Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj’s 7:23.09, set in 1999.

Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi achieved the third-fastest time ever, finishing second with 7:21.28. The new record is pending ratification by World Athletics, the sport’s global governing body.