Sports
Amrouche Defends Record As Kenya Boss
Adel Amrouche has re
acted to his recent dismissal as Kenya coach by defending his record in charge of the team, despite their shock exit to Lesotho in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Kenya was unable to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their second round tie, dumped out of the competition following a goalless draw in the second leg in Nairobi on Sunday.
Football Kenya Federation immediately dismissed Amrouche and the whole technical staff.
Amrouche was suspended for both games with the Confederation of Africa Football punishing him for allegedly spitting at a fourth official during a Nations Cup qualifier in Comoros in May, a charge he denies and is appealing against.
And the Algeria-born Belgian believes that situation is to blame for their surprise exit.
“I have never lost with this team in 16 matches,” he told Tidesports “The two games that Kenya lost I was in the stands because I was suspended.
“When we lost on Sunday I was in stands and the story that I am banned for a year ruined the players’ concentration and focus.
“I can prove, with video evidence, I never spat at the referee. It is an injustice against me and my team. The issue has killed our hopes of qualifying.”
Amrouche pointed to his previous success with the Harambee Stars as further evidence that he was doing a good job.
“We lifted the team up from 138th in FIFA’s rankings and now they are 95th,” he said.
“I have brought in new faces and new talent. The team hadn’t won a trophy for 12 years but we won the Cecafa Cup in 2013 .
“Kenyan players have started moving to European countries. Kenyan football is improving.”
However, while Amrouche sad that his reign as Kenya coach is over, he is also philosophical about the decision.
“We had started to build something and people had started to believe in Kenya football. It would have been nice to carry on.
“But in this job one day you are here and then next you are not, you must always have your bags packed,” 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.
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