Gothia Cup: Mailantarki shines in a debut World Youth Cup in Sweden

 

The Abuja based high flying football club, Mailantarki Care FC have embarked on yet another brilliant international outing, having won the most recent tournament in Denmark in 2024 by emerging as the overall winners during the 2024 Dana Cup.

A resounding 6-0 victory in the Gothia Cup opener against one of the host clubs, IFK KUMLA, has sent a clear message to the rival clubs in the tournament.

With much intent and a high-pressing game, the boys in blue undid stubborn IFK Kumla, who proved to be more physical in the first 5 minutes before Ejiogu Samuel broke the jinx following his brilliant individual effort from the left flank.

The goals kept pouring in as IFK conceded further 3 goals courtesy of Apas Abel, Sadiq Ashiru, and Akiemute Godstime to round off the first half with a 4-nil comfortable lead.

However, Chukwusa Mathew bagged a brace after the restart to complete the rout on the Kumla based club.

Up next for the rising stars is German club MTV Ramelsloh on Tuesday 15th July, 2025 at the same venue of Torslandavallen, Gothenburg."

Akinkunmi Amoo bags brace of assist to wrap Allsvenskan season on a high with Hammarby

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nigerian youngster Akinkunmi Amoo signed off the 2021 Swedish Allsvenskan league with style as he contributed two goals on the final day to propel his Hammarby IF side to an impressive 5-2 win over Kalmar FF. 

With European football for next season out of sight, the host needed to end the season on a strong note with Amoo once again starting for Hammarby with the player already a target of top clubs in Europe. 

The host however got off to the perfect start when Astrit Selmani put them ahead on six-minute with a well-taken strike before the Kosovan striker doubled the hosts lead on 20 minutes, taping home after the goalkeeper failed to properly hold on to his strike. 

Amoo then ensured Selmani completed his hattrick in the first half when the winger's strike was too hot for goalkeeper Lukas Haag to handle as he spilled the ball for Selmani to tap home his third of the game. 

Isak Jansson then pulled one back for Kalmar who needed the halftime whistle as they were outplayed by the pace and tricky of Amoo in the first 45 minutes. 

Amoo then took off from where he left it in the first period with the midfielder at it again five minutes into the second when he laid the ball for Selmani who turned to fire home his 4th of the game. 

Johnathan Ring and Erik Isrealsson almost then scored twice for the visitors to almost inspiring a comeback but substitute Aljoša Matko then ended that hope when he scored 14 minutes from time to seal a 5-3 win for Hammarby

Amoo who was replaced on the hour mark had a game rating of 7.3, with the attacking midfielder finishing the season on a high as he contributed 14 goals (9 goals, 6 assist) to help his side finish on 5th position just 4 points shy of a European place.

Amoo named in Allsvenskan Young Player of the Year nominees

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

 

Nigerian wonder kid, Akinkunmi Amoo has been rewarded for his brilliant performance in the 2021 Allsvenskan with Hammarby IF.

 

The former Golden Eaglet midfield maestro joined the Swedish side towards the end of last season but has become a major part of the club this campaign scoring goals and also creating for his teammates. 

 

The-19-year-old has featured in 28 league games this campaign, starting 20 of those games, scoring 9 goals, and also adding 4 assist to his name with his 13 goals involvement putting him second in the club just behind Gustav Ludwigson who is on 14. 

 

Amoo’s performance in the league also saw him clinch several man-of-the-match awards this campaign with the attacking midfielder also named in the team of the week for no fewer than 7 times. 

 

According to Discovery+ Sport, the attacker will slog it out with the duo of Veljko

Birmancevic who also has a good record of 9 goals and 2 assist with Hampus Finndel of Djurgadens IF the other player on the list. 

 

The nomination will come as yet another boost in the stock of Amoo who is attracting plenty of interest from a host of top clubs in Europe with former European Champions Ajax quoted to be interested in the player.

Allsvenskan: Amoo hails Hammarby vital win at IK Sirus

 

 By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Nigerian midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo was once again at his brilliant best for Swedish side Hammarby IF as they matched on to yet another important victory away from home following their 1-0 win at IK Sirus on match day 25 of the Allsvenskan. 

 

On the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, the visitors handed the tricky Nigerian his 16th league start of the campaign with Amoo hoping to add to his 12 goals tally in the league already.

 

The 19-year-old almost got off to the perfect start for the visitors when he raced off to a loose ball in the midfield before going past two markers but his fierce left foot shot went inches wide much to the joy of the home fans. 

 

The Former Golden Eaglet midfielder was at it again a minute later when he set up Gustav Ludwigson but the striker's goal bound effort was well saved by the goalkeeper with Hammarby winning a corner from it. 

 

The visitors then made their constant pressure count half way through the half when defender Richard Magyar tapped home from a goal-mount scramble to give Hammarby a deserved 1-0 lead, a lead they held going into the break. 

 

Amoo then took off from where he left off in the second half and almost doubled Hammarby’s lead on the hour mark but a last-ditched sliding tackle from Marcus Mathisen ensured scores remained at 1-0. 

 

The Nigerian then almost sealed the win ten minutes from time but some bit of selfish play saw him fire straight at the goalkeeper from close range with striker partner Gustav a better option should the Nigerian had passed the ball for him to tap home. 

 

That miss almost cost the visitors all three points as the host hit the post from the subsequent attack but Hammarby held on for their 12th win of the campaign and moved just four points behind 3rd place AIK in their pursuit for European Football. 

 

“+3 points, away win. We are climbing up Massive support from the traveling fans. #Bajen, Amoo posted afterwards. 

 

The Eagles hopeful completed 6 of his 9 take ons, the most in the encounter, winning 11 duels, completing 85% of his passes and making two key passes.

Amoo inspires Hammarby to victory in seven goal thriller

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

 

Nigerian midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo took his goals tally to eight on Sunday afternoon as he scored one and assisted another as he helped his Swedish side, Hammarby to a comeback 4-3 win over Ostersunds FK.

 

Having scored the winner in their last league outing at home against AIK, the fleet footed player started his 15th league match with the host hoping to close the gap on first place Djurgarden to seven points.

 

The hosts were however stunned with just 14 minutes on the clock as the visitors took a two goal lead courtesy of strikes from Marco Weymans and Blair Turgott.

 

Moments later Noah Sonko put through his own goal to make it 1-2, but the visitors restored their two goal lead four minutes later as Ludvig Fritzon made it 3-1 against the run of play.

Amoo then reduced the deficit for Hammarby midway through the half as he skipped past two markers before setting up Williot Swedberg to make it 2-3, a lead the visitors held at the break.

The host then had the chance to level scores twenty minutes from time but captain, Darijan Bojanic saw his penalty hit the upright, before his blushes were spared seven minutes later when Gustav Ludwigson equalised to make it three all.

 

With the game almost certain to end a draw, attacking midfielder Amoo stepped up with a big heart to convert the winner from twelve yards, with the host roaring to victory at the sound of the final whistle

The goals took Amoo’s goals contribution tally to 12 (8 goals, 4 assist), whilst Hammarby earning their 11th win of the campaign to keep them still in contention for both the league title and a European spot.

Allsvenskan: Amoo shoots Hammarby back to winning ways with seventh league goal

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nigerian midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo made a scoring return to the starting XI for Swedish side Hammarby IF as he scored the game’s only goal to lead them to an important 1-0 win over AIK on Sunday.

 

Without a win in their last two games, Head Coach Milos Milojevic corrected his last two matchday mistakes as he returned the quick footed midfielder to the starting XI pushing him further upfront to join the attack.

 

The 19-year-old Amoo however hit the ground running from the blast of the whistle, with the game’s first real opportunity falling to the Nigerian after the half hour mark, as Amoo brilliantly dribbled past three markers before seeing his goal bound effort deflected wide for a corner kick.

 

The visitors then had a chance of their own at the other end but goalkeeper Dvid Ousted had to be alert to deny Nabil Bahoui from opening the scoring.

 

A mistake at the back almost proved costly for the host but AIK failed to capitalise with both teams going into the break level at 0-0, with Amoo's effort the closest the host came to finding a goal.

 

The second half however started in similar scenario with the hosts breaking from a swift counter attack as fellow strike partner Gustav Ludwigson dribbled past his marker before squaring up for the Nigerian who made no mistake to stab home the opener just before the hour mark.

 

The goal brought out the best in Hammarby and they soon found the net again but this time the visitors were spared with the referee whistle coming to their rescue for an offside call.

 

Clearly not satisfied by the solitary goal, Amoo almost doubled his side's lead fifteen minutes from time but his well taken shot was matched by goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt in goal for AIK.

 

The visitors then had a chance to steal a point at the dead but fired wide from close range as Amoo’s strike proved to be the difference for Hammerby who returned to winning ways.

 

The strike took the 19-year-old tally to 7 league goals for the campaign with the midfielder also chipping in 3 assists to his name.

Hammarby have also moved up to sixth on the log with 37 points gathered in 23 league matches. 

They will next be taking on Ostersunds in the Matchday 24 encounter.

Super Falcons Glory Ogbonna secures Damallsvenskan promotion with Umeå IK

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons defender Glory Ogbonna will make her dream debut in the elite league of women's football (Damallsvenskan) in Sweden next season following her promotion with Umea IK.

Ogbonna was on the lineup for UIK as they sealed their return to the top flight with a 6–2 win over IF Brommapojkarna at the

Umeå Energi Arena Sol, on Saturday.

The promotion is a dream come true for Ogbonna who has so far made eight league and two cup appearances since joining UIK in July and also won two player of the match awards with her wonderful performance in the push for promotion.

Speaking after the game, an elated Ogbonna said one of the reasons she joined was to help Umeå IK gain promotion. 

"I feel so happy today. It is a dream come true. 

"It was my main point of coming to help the team qualify and I'm happy I've achieved that today". 

Umeå IK remain top with 54 points after 22 matches with four matches left. 

The former Edo Queens player will now join the list of Super Falcons players like Faith Michael, Halimat Ayinde , Ngozi Okobi, Uchenna Kanu, Chinaza Uchendu, Anam Imo, Joy Bokiri who play in the Swedish top flight come next season.

Amoo named player of the match in Hammarby loss; says team will bounce back

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nigeria's rave of the moment in the Swedish Allsvenskan league Akinkunmi Amoo has again been praised for his fantastic performances for Hammarby IF after the player was named man of the match for the club in their 3-1 loss away at IFK Norrkoping. 

Despite being one of the club’s most stand out players, the tricky midfielder was surprisingly named among the substitutes for the visit to the Platinum Cars Arena, with head coach Milos Milojevic paying heavily as his side went into the half time break two goals down. 

Needing an outstanding performance and a bit of luck in the second period, the Serbian gaffer turned to the Nigerian to add more flair to the team's attack as Amoo replaced captain Jeppe Anderson at half time. 

The change brought plenty of life to the visitors' attack and they soon found their way past the hosts' goalkeeper when sustained pressure from the front line lead to Linus Wahlqvist diverting into his own net just after the hour mark. 

Hammarby almost found the equaliser three minutes later but Amoo’s goal bound effort was block with the host going on to score a third via the boots of another Nigerian Samuel Adegbenro to seal all 3 points. 

Despite being an half time substitute Amoo was still named Hammarby player of the match with the club prising the spirited effort of the midfielder. 

“Tonight away match sponsor Intersport, named Akinkunmi Amoo the best player in the #Bajen after the 3-1 loss away at Norrkoping. 

Similarly the 19-year-old who has expressed delight  

for been acknowledged on the pitch took to social media to assure fans of the club that Hammarby will return to winning ways after the international break. 

“Unacceptable result yesterday (Sunday), we will bounce back after the International break. I appreciate the honour #Bajen,” Amoo posted. 

The tricky midfielder had scored 6 goals with a further 3 assist in just 13 starts this season in the Swedish league.

Nigeria international Tebo Franklin registers assist for Hacken

Nigeria international Tebo Franklin registered an assist on Sunday afternoon to help Hacken defeat Orebro 2-1 in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

The centre-back was named on the bench of his team when they visited Behrn Arena to face Orebro on the matchday 22 of the ongoing campaign.

Tebo Franklin replaced injured Faltsetas Alexander in the 13th minute.

Following a good start to the game by Tebo and his teammates, they raced in front in the second minute of additional time of the first stanza.

Tebo provided a quality assist for his Nigerian compatriot Godswill Ekpolo.

In a hard-fought battle, Bengtsson Leo was set up by Walemark Patrik for the second goal as first half ended 0-2.

Pushing on to search for a goal, the hosts pulled one back through Nahir Besara from the penalty spot.

Super Eagles B star Tebo Franklin rallied his partners to play at the top level to stop the home team from adding to their tally.

The former Nasarawa United has now played two games since joining the Wasps.

Amoo set to return to action for Hammarby in a crunchy tie at Norrkoping

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nigerian midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo is set to return to the starting XI for Swedish side Hammerby IF when they travel away to the Plantinum Cars Arena to face IFK Norrkoping on match day 22 of the Allsvenkan.

Having decided to alt his winning team in their 1-1 draw last time out away at BK Hacken head coach Millos Milojevic will now turn to the fleet footed Nigerian as he hopes to pick up maximum points before the international break.

Both teams going into the clash with superb form as the visitors will have to up their game should they want to avoid defeat with the hosts enjoying a rich vein of form which has seen them pick up 13 points from a possible 15.

Following their not too impressive start to October the visitors picked up momentum with Amoo at the centre of it all as he ensured they picked 7 points from 9, with Amoo scoring twice and also claiming an assist in the process.

The 19-year-old is now expected to return to the midfield come Sunday afternoon with the clash a must win for either side in their quest to qualify for European Football come the end of the season.

Hammerby currently occupy 6th position on the log with 34 points after 21 rounds of matches with Amoo a key contributor to those points having contributed 9 goals this campaign (6 goals, 3 assists).

Nigerian defender Tebo happy to make Hacken debut against Amoo's Hammarby

Nigeria B international Tebo Franklin is delighted to make his Hacken debut against Hammarby in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Sunday.

The 21-year-old climbed off the bench in the 36th minute to feature for his side in their 1-1 draw against Akinkunmi Amoo's team at the Bravida Arena (Göteborg). 

"It was a positive game. The team really did well and worked hard, I'm very happy," Tebo Franklin told the Media.

​​"Just to play my first game here at the Bravida Arena, in front of the fans, that was probably the best occasion. Obviously, it's a dream come true. 

After a rather long wait for his maiden outing for the Wasps, the centre-back made his bow and was impressive.

"I'm very excited to have made my debut, it's very important.

"I think we need to focus on the next game, fight hard together and I think we'll go further. In terms of personal accolades, this is indeed a day to cherish for me and my family. Everyone has been waiting for my debut since my move to Hacken. I knew everyone was watching from all corners of the country. It was nerve-wracking at first, but I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for helping me settle. Their words of encouragement during the match helped me to play my football," the defender continued.

"When we are on the pitch, we are all the same and we have to give our all."

"Now that my first game is behind me, I hope to build on this game and work on getting more matches under my belt. At the end of the day, it's one thing to play one match but to play consistently is a different ball game. It requires a lot more work," he said.

Tebo Franklin joined Hacken on a short term loan from Nasarawa United at the summer transfer window.

Akinkunmi Amoo Bags MOTM, player of the week awards after excellent display against Goteborg

Former U-17 attacking midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo, has been rewarded for his fantastic display on match day 20 of the Swedish Allsvenkan, after being named player of the week, in the match against Goteborg on Thursday night. 

The 19-year-old was in a league of his own, producing series of fine display for the host as he scored once and assisted another to help  his side secure a vital  3-0 win over Goteborg; a performance which caught the eyes of series of renowned media outlets in Sweden and Europe at large.

 

According to Sweden based media outfit Discovery+ Sport, the performance of the 19-year-old was enough to name him the best player, as his all round display was a joy to watch.

 

“After being outside of the starting eleven for a period, Amoo is back with a message against IFK Goteborg. It was a goal, an assist and there were other contributions. For the fine and match-deciding effort, the Hammarby player is the player of the round" says Discovery + Sport.

The former Golden Eaglet man,on Thursday night, put Hammarby ahead after just six minutes before setting up Aziz Ouattara for the second goal and just before the half time with Vladimir Rodic, sealing the win with a fine finish twenty minutes from time. 

Amoo 19, is now Hammarby second top scorer in the league in this campaign with 6 goals, two behind striker Gustav Ludwigson- with the Nigerian also registering 3 assist to take his goals involvement to 9 thus far in the ongoing season.

Akinkunmi Amoo's screamer inspires Hammerby to victory over Goteborg in Sweden

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Nigerian attacker Akinkumi Amoo continued his superb form from the midfield for Swedish side, Hammarby IF,  as he scored and set up another, to  lead them to a one-sided 3-0 win over IFK Goteborg.

 

Still raving from his match winning performance four days ago, the 19-year-old kept his place in the starting XI , as Head Coach, Milos Milojevic made a host of changes for the hosts as he pushed Amoo further up to support the attackers.

 

The former golden Eaglet star man, needed just six minutes to hit the ball running as he put the hosts ahead with a ferocious strike hitting the ball beyond the goalkeeper, from 30 yards out to make it 1-0; although,  it was much to the  Joy of the player and the home fans.

 

Amoo almost made it 2-0 ten minutes later, as the player exchanged passes with Aziz before he then set up Gustav Ludwigson- who failed to keep his cool while firing straight at the goalkeeper with the goal post at his mercy.

 

The visitors however, had chances of their own at the other end but the host goalkeeper stood his ground before the impressive Amoo had yet another effort saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper on 23 minutes.

 

With half time whistle just minutes away, the hosts doubled their lead with a goal made in Africa as the most efficient Amoo delivered a perfect cross into the part of Ivorian Aziz Mohammed, who redeemed himself in the second time of asking to make it 2-0.

 

Amoo was then involved again two minutes after the break as the fleet footed midfielder, danced his way past several Goteborg players before his fierce shot from the edge of the box rattled the woodwork.

 

The hosts also went on to claim their 3rd goal twenty minutes from time when a moment of magic from Vladimir Rodic, who tipped the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 3-0  which brought moments of exhilaration to Amoo and his teammates.

 

The Nigerian was  substituted to a sounding ovation- twelve minutes before the end of 90 minutes; as Hammarby claimed their 9th win of the campaign, to move up 33 points, just 5 points behind 3rd place Malmo in the race for European places.

 

Amoo who was deservedly named the man of the match, and has now taken his goals involvement to 9 in the league (6 goals, 3 assists), having just started 13 of the 19 games he has featured in.

Akinkunmi Amoo promised Hammarby more headed goals, set sights on Goteborg clash

Adedapo Abdulquadir 

Former Golden Eaglet winger Akinkunmi Amoo has revealed that he is not a player shy of scoring with his head after his lone strike earned his Hammarby IF side, secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over Varbergs, on Monday night.

The 19-year-old headed home from a Astri Slimani cross, despite not been the tallest in the field with the attacker showing great skills and composure to score what proved to be his 5th league goal, of the campaign. 

Speaking to the club media after the match,  heroic Akinkunmi Amoo, expressed confidence in his ability to score more goals with his head; But laughed off suggestions that,  his height could limit him to score more goals with his feat, than his head. 

“If you watch the game from the beginning, I headed a lot of balls, so it doesn't mean when you are short you can’t head ball accurately. I timed balls well against Varbergs and went for it,” Amoo added. 

The tricky winger went on to praise his side spirited efforts in the game whilst also hailing his coaches for their doggedness.  

“Physical game, pretty tough for us. Team spirit was excellent and we kept the lead Confidently. I appreciate my teammates and the technical staff for this crucial goal; even though, it was built from our work in the training,” Amoo concluded. 

As the Eagle is expected to file out on Thursday night when his side take to the field against IFK Goteborg on match day 20 of the Allsvenskan, Akinkunmi Amoo remains upbeat in grinding out victory as well.

Allsvenskan: Amoo lone strike secures vital home win for Hammarby

 

 Adedapo Abdulquadir 

Former Golden Eaglets forward Akinkunmi Amoo was the match hero for Swedish side Hammerby IF as he scored the game’s only goal to earn them a 1-0 win over Varbergs BoIS.

Still smarting from the shock 4-1 loss in their last league outing away at Djurgadens, head coach Milos Milojevic rang in the changes with Amoo returning the starting XI having sat out last week’s embarrassing loss.

The 19-year-old hit the ball running from the blast of the whistle and was involved in the game’s first real chance when he combined with Astri Slimani to set up skipper Bojanic but the midfielder failed to keep his effort on target.

The visitors then grew into the game and had chances of their own twice but the hosts goalkeeper was up to the task as he kept his cool to keep the game goalless after the hour mark.

With the half time whistle seconds away, the tricky Nigerian opened scoring as he robbed defender Joakim Linder off the ball before setting up Selmani who then crossed graciously to the head of the Nigerian to make it 1-0 much to the frustration of the visitors who were hoping for a foul on the build up to the goal.

Amoo was then involved again moments into the second half as he came close to doubling the hosts lead but a quick rush out from the goalkeeper denied the former golden Eaglet star from making it 2-0.