Sports
SWAN Cancels Activities Over Ugele’s Death
The Sports Writers Asso
ciation of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT chapter, has canceled all competitions marking the “2014 SWAN week’’ following the death of ace sports writer Ramsey Ugele.
Ramsey, as he was fondly called, a former staff of New Nigeria Newspapers and defunct Abuja Times, died on Wednesday morning at a hospital in Suleja, Niger State, after a brief illness
He was a sports journalist for about 30 years and his analyses of sports in the electronic media were legendary.
Kayode Adeniyi, Chairman of FCT SWAN, who expressed shock over the demise, described the death of Ramsey as a monumental loss to the sporting fraternity in Nigeria.
Adeniyi explained that ongoing competitions in the 2014 SWAN week had to be canceled as a mark of honour to the dead.
“Its sad that we have canceled the event; it’s also sad that we lost a senior member of this association.
“Members decided that we suspend the competitions (football and table tennis events) of our SWAN week to celebrate Ramsey,’’ Adeniyi said.
He pointed out that the SWAN gala night which was expected to climax activities of the SWAN week would still go on but in honour of Ramsey.
This, he said would enable invited guest to appreciate the qualities which would be missed in the ace journalist.
Patrick Omorodion, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Sports, said Ramsey was an upright journalist who gave SWAN a good name.
“I am pained because he was a friend beyond SWAN but what can we do?
“We will keep praying for God for the repose of his soul and to give the family and SWAN the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ Omorodion said.
Shina Abimbola, the Head of Sports Department, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), expressed regret over the loss in spite of efforts made by the family and friends to save his life.
“Unfortunately, death is a necessary end that must come when it will come, according to William Shakespeare.
“Ramsey had to die not because he didn’t do his best but because it is written that all of us must live and die.
“But what I think he did best was to etch his name in letters of gold in the history of sports writing in Abuja.
“He happened to be among the few that were able to combine print and broadcast journalism. He represented the best in these two divides,’’ Abimbola said.
Female basketball players in action
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
-
Politics4 days agoPDP Vows Legal Action Against Rivers Lawmakers Over Defection
-
Sports4 days agoNigeria, Egypt friendly Hold Dec 16
-
Politics4 days agoRIVERS PEOPLE REACT AS 17 PDP STATE LAWMAKERS MOVE TO APC
-
Sports4 days agoNSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
-
Oil & Energy4 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
-
Politics4 days agoWithdraw Ambassadorial List, It Lacks Federal Character, Ndume Tells Tinubu
-
Sports4 days agoFRSC Wins 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League