Sports
Coaches Laud Initiative Of CBN Tennis Championships
Coaches at the 2012 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Championships in Lagos have lauded the organisers, saying the tournament will enhance development of young players in the country.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the coaches commended the consistency of the CBN in organising the championships for the past six years.
Patrick Obebor, the coach of the University of Lagos, said that the competition had been instrumental to the growth of the sport in the country.
“I give kudos to the organisers for having thought of bringing the game down to the grassroots, as this will help in bringing out future stars.
“The only way to see a tennis star rise to the top is through this medium where he or she goes through the basic training of the sport and learns to become a good player,’’ Obebor said.
Enugu-based Emmanuel Eze, a parent of two of the participants, said that he was impressed with the organisation of the championship and the standard of play.
According to him, the championships are paving the way for Nigeria to produce world tennis stars.
“I am short of words and I praise the organisers for putting up such a programme whereby the young ones can be developed through competitions.
“We have been longing to see a programme like this, and I am glad that the organisers took it upon themselves to develop the skills of these young ones.
“Overall, it is good for the young ones who can play the game to use it as an avenue to express themselves in sports,’’ Eze said.
Akinogun Michael, an Ogun State coach, said that his players had improved in the game as a result of the exposure in the competition.
Michael said that following the improvement noticed in some of his players who featured in previous competitions, he registered some debutants to feature in the 2012 edition.
“I am happy and I commend the organisers. The championships have helped improved on my players who are currently in the quarter final stage.
“This is one grassroots programme that will produce world tennis stars in the nearest future,’’ he said.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, which began with the first phase in Benin City months ago, before the second phase in Lagos which ends with a finale that the Executive Chairman of Ardova PLC, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami, ably represented by the Deputy Managing Director, Ardova PLC, Mrs Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, described as delightful to watch in her speech.
For Safety Shooters, it was a historic moment as they clinched the men’s title for the first time since 2020, completing a dominant campaign that saw them finish top of the table with 57 points from 20 matches while Safety Babes also etched their name deeper into Nigerian handball history, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive women’s championship, reaffirming their status as the league’s most dominant team, not just in the women’s category but in the history of handball premier league in Nigeria.
In the Men’s Safety Shooters finished the season in style, beating COAS Shooters 43–32 (20–10) to cap off a dominant outing in Phase 2.
Their final-day victory ensured they remained clear at the summit with an impressive 18 wins, one draw, and one loss, totaling a superb goal difference of +214 after scoring 638 goals and conceding 424.
The organisers of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters Tournament have earmarked N4 million as the prize money for this year’s edition.
?The Chairman of the tennis section of Ikoyi Club, Diran Famakinwa, stated this at a briefing, highlighting the activities for the second edition of the tournament.
?The tournament, which is in collaboration with MegaMound Investment Limited, is endorsed by the Nigerian Tennis Federation.
?According to Famakinwa, the male and female champions will receive N500,000 each, while the runners-up in both categories will go home with the sum of N350,000 each, with the remaining money to be shared among the semi-finalists and other participants.
?Sixteen players, which includes the eight top ?male and eight top female players, will feature in the one-week event, which started on December 5, and run till Saturday, December 13.
?The female final will be held on Friday, December 12, while the male final will take up on Saturday, December 13.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NSC described the defender as “Captain Fantastic” and praised his decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, highlighting a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty.
“After a decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty,” the NSC stated.
The commission noted that, as one of the most capped defenders in Super Eagles history with 83 international appearances since his debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong served as a pillar of leadership across multiple tournaments and qualification campaigns.
“His exceptional outing at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and was named Player of the Tournament, remains one of the most remarkable achievements by a defender in AFCON history,” the NSC added.
The statement further emphasised that Troost-Ekong’s “Nigeria first” mindset, discipline and exemplary conduct set a standard for the next generation of athletes, with his influence within the national team extending beyond the pitch to inspire unity, resilience and professionalism among his teammates.
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong has dismissed rumours that he was forced to retire by the country’s football administrators as punishment for leading a revolt against the NFF.
The 32-year-old’s announcement came less than a month before the AFCON, and he was named in the 54-man preliminary list. His decision sparked speculation, particularly as he had led a strike in protest against unpaid bonuses during the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
One fan speculated on social media, suggesting that Troost-Ekong was pressured to quit after exposing the NFF. The Al Khoolood defender offered a sharp retort, establishing that he unilaterally made the decision to retire.
“Not true! My own choice/decision and on my own terms. No one ever asked/tried to force me out. If anything, the opposite when I shared my decision. I wish the team all the best and support them together with all Nigerians for the upcoming AFCON to go all the way,” he wrote on X.
The NSC concluded by wishing Troost-Ekong the very best in the next chapter of his career and commending him for representing Nigeria with honour.
-
Politics4 days agoWhy Reno Omokri Should Be Dropped From Ambassadorial List – Arabambi
-
Politics3 days agoPDP Vows Legal Action Against Rivers Lawmakers Over Defection
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria, Egypt friendly Hold Dec 16
-
Sports3 days agoNSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNCDMB Unveils $100m Equity Investment Scheme, Says Nigerian Content Hits 61% In 2025 ………As Board Plans Technology Challenge, Research and Development Fair In 2026
-
Politics3 days agoRIVERS PEOPLE REACT AS 17 PDP STATE LAWMAKERS MOVE TO APC
-
Politics3 days agoWithdraw Ambassadorial List, It Lacks Federal Character, Ndume Tells Tinubu
-
Sports3 days agoMakinde becomes Nigeria’s youngest Karate black belt