Sports
Ikhana Lauds Discipline In Falcons Camp
The Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Kadiri Ikhana, has commended the level of discipline and composure displayed by the players currently in a phased camping programme in Abuja.
Ikhana told newsmen in Abuja, that the players have been going about the exercise with a high sense of professionalism.
“Its interesting to know that the women are displaying a high sense of discipline and they are disposed to learning and receptive to instructions.
“Surprisingly, I’ve been hearing about indiscipline in the Falcons camp before but I’ve not experienced such which I think is impressive.’’Ikhana said.
The newly appointed coach of the Falcons said that the girls have been cooperative with him, and have an aptitude for inculcating innovative ideas.
“They have been cooperating and we’ve been getting everything we needed from them so I think we have wonderful players in camp.’’
The Falcons commenced the first phase of the programme on April 15 in Abuja.
He also appealed to club owners and coaches to be patient with the national team over the absence of their key players because of the team’s programme.
Ikhana, a member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Lagos, emphasised the need for an extended camping period for the players.
The former Bendel Insurance FC of Benin wingback and a member of the squad that won the 1978 Challenge Cup reiterated the need for a proper assessment and categorisation of the players.
“They should be patient with us because we just got on board and we need to stay with these players for them to know our objectives and plan for the country.’’
“When we eventually raise the kind of team that we have in mind, then the camping period would be shortened to one week duration subsequently.
“We will give them programmes to take to their clubs and when they fulfill our programmes, we come here and continue from where we stopped.’’the chief coach said.
The Falcons are billed to lock horns with their Zimbabwean counterparts, in a qualifying match for the Africa Women Championship scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea.
Zimbabwe will host the fixture’s first leg on May 27, while the return leg will hold in Nigeria on June 16.
The Super Eagles will also play a friendly match against South Africa on June 3 in Johannesburg, on their way back from Zimbabwe.
Victory against Zimbabwe will earn the six-time African champions a place at this year’s African Women Championship (AWC).
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.
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