Sports
NPFL: Rivers Utd’s Coach Admits Ifeanyi Uba’s Supremacy
Rivers United Coach
Stanley Eguma has admitted that Ifeanyi Uba deserved their viotory against his team on Sunday in Nnewi.
High-riding Rivers united slumped to a 2-0 loss to home team IfeanyiUba in continuation of the Nigeria league on sdunday.
“We lost today and they (FCIU) were better. They deserved to win and I give them kudos,” admitted Eguma.
“We will go back home to prepare for the next game”.
The FCIU coach Mitko Dobrev revealed that painstaking preparations were vital to the win for his side.
“I think I have a good team but there are some new players so we need some time to integrate”, said the Bulgarian coach.
“I had vital information about Rivers United. They play with five midfielders and rely on counter attacks.
“We did not give them any free space today and I think we deserved to win”.
Rivers United stay in second place despite the defeat (they still have 38 points from 22 matches), while FCIU climb up two places on the table to 11th with 30 points from 21 matches.
Goals in each half from Wasiu Jimoh and Ismaila Gate gave FC Ifenyi Uba (FCIU) a deserved 2-0 victory over Rivers united.
Jimoh finished off emphatically, right-footed, into Sunday Rotimi’s bottom left hand corner after Maduabuchi Okereke opened up the Rivers United backline with some dare-devil piece of bribbling and impressive vision on 25 minutes.
Gate’s goal in the 52nd minute was as a result of an error by Rivers United midfielder, Yusuf Jaiyeola who lost the ball in midfield and the former Niger Tornadoes man showed no mercy as he fired clinically past Rotimi.
United were rocked just before kick off with the news that in form striker, Guy Kuemian had failed a late fitness test and would miss the game.
The Ivorian who had scored four goals in his last two matches was replaced by Onyekachi Okafor who clearly failed to fill the void left by the former Lecones Vegetarianos (Euatoguinean club) forward.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’, however, started the stronger of the two sides and should have taken the lead inside the opening two minutes.
United looked a pale shadow of the side that dismantled: Kaduna United in the Federation Cup in midweek and barely threatened the FCIU goalkeeper; Ikechuku Ezenwa all game.
Gata almost added a third goal late on for the hosts; but watched in despair as his free kick sailed narrowly over the bar.
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.
-
Business4 days agoCBN Revises Cash Withdrawal Rules January 2026, Ends Special Authorisation
-
Business4 days ago
Shippers Council Vows Commitment To Security At Nigerian Ports
-
Business4 days agoFIRS Clarifies New Tax Laws, Debunks Levy Misconceptions
-
Politics4 days agoTinubu Increases Ambassador-nominees to 65, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation
-
Business4 days agoNigeria Risks Talents Exodus In Oil And Gas Sector – PENGASSAN
-
Sports4 days ago
Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions
-
Business4 days ago
NCDMB, Others Task Youths On Skills Acquisition, Peace
-
Sports4 days agoFOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa