Sports

Simon Cletus Takes Major Step in Europe, Makes HNK Rijeka Squad for UEFA Conference League Clash

Published

2 months ago

July 23, 2026

Former Golden Eaglets captain Simon Cletus Karshe has taken another significant step in his budding European career after being named in HNK Rijeka’s matchday squad for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League qualifying clash against Northern Ireland’s Derry City.

The inclusion marks a major milestone for the highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder, who only signed his first professional contract with the Croatian champions a few months ago after completing his move from Nigerian side Mavlon FC.

Cletus’ rapid rise reflects the confidence the Rijeka coaching staff have in the young Nigerian, whose impressive performances during pre-season earned him a place in the squad for the crucial European fixture.

Before joining Rijeka, the talented midfielder was invited to the Flying Eagles camp, where he caught the attention of head coach Abdul Maikaba and his technical crew with a series of outstanding displays in friendly matches.

Although there were plans for Cletus to rejoin the Flying Eagles ahead of the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, Rijeka opted to retain the youngster as part of their preparations for the new season.

His selection for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League qualifier further underlines the important role the Croatian club expects him to play in the campaign.

Sources close to the Flying Eagles also revealed that Maikaba had considered handing the captain’s armband to Cletus had he been released to join the national team for the WAFU B tournament.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest midfield prospects, Cletus has continued to attract praise for his composure, vision and leadership qualities.

His inclusion in Rijeka’s squad for a major European fixture is another indication that the youngster is on course for a promising professional career and could soon become a regular feature for both club and country.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

15 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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