Sports
SKYSFORM Debunks Hosting 5-Aside Football Tournament
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Youths and Students Forum (SKYSFOM) has denied hosting the Inter-Community Development Association 5-Aside Football Tournament.
The group who stated this in a press statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer on Sunday, Isaac Bulus Gado, and issued to newsmen in Kaduna, noted that the publication attributed to Ernest Maidawa was misleading and false.
They maintained that SKYSFOM as a responsible organization was committed to serving the people and compelled to set the record straight.
The text reads in parts;
DISCLAIMER NOTIFICATION
Debunking False Claims Regarding the Southern Kaduna Inter-Community Development Association 5 Aside Football Tournament Committee.
Our attention has been drawn to a publication attributed to one Ernest Maidawa containing misleading information and false claims. As a responsible organization committed to serving our people, we are compelled to set the record straight.
Contrary to the assertions made in Mr. Ernest Maidawa’s attributed publication, the Southern Kaduna Youth and Students Forum is not organizing nor hosting any Football Tournament at the moment.
Our organization focuses on fostering sustainable development, promoting peace, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of our members and the region at large which sports activities are part of but at the moment, none of these initiatives involves sports tournaments
The publication by Mr. Maidawa contains inaccurate information and is a disservice to the communities of Southern Kaduna. We urge the public to exercise caution and verify the credibility of sources before accepting such claims. The dissemination of false information not only undermines the efforts of genuine organizations but also hampers the progress and unity of the communities we serve.
Furthermore, we call upon Mr. Ernest Maidawa to retract his publication and issue a formal apology to the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Youth and Students Forum and the public for misleading the public by spreading false information.
It is imperative that as members of society, we uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in all our endeavors not misleading or attempting to fraud the public. The public should kindly ignore such claims so as not to fall victim to mischief makers.
We will continue to work diligently to address the real issues facing our region and strive for a better future for all.
The Flying Eagles will come up against the firepower of the Junior Atlas Lions of Morocco after the North Africans fought from a goal down to beat Kenya 3-2 in their Group B game of the 2025 U20 AFCON.
The Flying Eagles have expressed confidence of flying high at the U20 AFCON in Egypt after they opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.
On Thursday, Akwa United youngster Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ was Man of the Match, gave Nigeria the maximum points against the Junior Cartage Eagles, who gave as much as they got from their Nigerian counterparts.
Captain Daniel Bameyi said after the win that they are now looking forward to another win against Morocco on Sunday night.
“It is on to the next game. We hope to win and go top of our group on our way to qualifying for the World Cup and winning the tournament,” the Bayelsa United central defender said.
Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu said the win over Tunisia is great for team’s confidence.
“The first game of a competition is often difficult and to get the three points was very important,” he said.
“This will help with our confidence. Nigerians should continue to support and pray for the team and we promise not to let them down.”
The Flying Eagles are seeking a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title in Egypt.
Morocco fell behind to the Rising Stars of Kenya in the second match in Group B, before they rallied back to win despite missing a penalty and losing two players to injury
Othmane Maamma was Man of the Match for Morocco to go top of the standings by virtue of having scored more goals than the Flying Eagles.
The Super Eagles forward will be one of the main transfer attractions when top European clubs whip out their purses for purchases in the summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is poised for a high-profile summer transfer, with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid among the clubs vying for his signature.
Despite having a contract with Atalanta that runs until June 2027, the Nigerian international is expected to depart Bergamo at the end of the season.
The Serie A club are reportedly willing to sell the 27-year-old if their €60 million (£51.5m) valuation is met, with several European powerhouses monitoring the situation.
According to Spanish outlet Marca via Les-transferts, Atlético Madrid have already opened discussions with Lookman’s representatives.
While Diego Simeone’s side reportedly believes Atalanta’s asking price is steep, they are seriously considering a move after being impressed by Lookman’s prolific campaign.
An all-English Europa League final is looming after Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and Tottenham Hotspur prevailed 3-1 against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday.
Casemiro’s header and Bruno Fernandes’ brace led United to a dominant victory in Spain, leaving them in a comfortable position for the semi-final return leg next Thursday at their Old Trafford stadium.
Bilbao were down to 10 men in the 35th minute as Dani Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box.
The foul resulted in a penalty converted by Fernandes for his first goal.
Tottenham also didn’t have trouble to take the home win against Bodø/Glimt.
First-half goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison secured them a 2-0 lead and Dominic Solanke added a third from the spot after the break.
Ulrik Saltnes’ late goal, however, will keep Bodø/Glimt’s hopes of a comeback alive for the second leg at home.
United have won the Europa League once, in 2017, while Tottenham have won the trophy twice when the competition was known as UEFA Cup.(NAN)