Sports
19th NSF: FCT Athletes Begin Preparation
The Director of Sports, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dilichukwu Onyedinma, says athletes in the territory have begun preparations ahead of the 2017 National Sports Festival.
Onyedinma told newsmen that FCT Administration was interested in grass roots sports development, hence the need for early preparations for the festival.
She said the administration, led by Moha, was focused on youth development using sports as a tool.
“Now we are preparing for the National Sports Festival. We are only waiting for the time.
“Though it was supposed to have held in Calabar some two, three years ago, there is a rumour that it might be shifted to another state, which we don’t know”, Dilichukwu Onyedinma said.
“So we are preparing towards that; all our coaches are working; we train every morning and we train every evening to make sure that the athletes are fit.
“So anytime they say go to this state or go to another state, we will come together in a close camp to now prepare them for real.
“We are happy that the administration that is on board now is into youth development.
“They see sports as one of the tool that they will use in developing the youth.
“And that is why they are keying into most of our programmes. The minister has said it that he is ready to help the youths get to their destination.
“And that is what everybody in this country, including adults and people that have the opportunity to assist the youths should be doing.
“Sport is not all about running around, shouting and jumping.
“Now it’s about job creation and economic empowerment.
“It is about health, because first you have to be healthy for you to be able to achieve other things, a sick man does not do anything.
“And it’s only when you engage in sports that you be able to curb some illness and sickness that you get out of not exercising,’’ she added.
Onyeadinma said that the administration would build on the successes recorded in 2016 to better sports performance in 2017.
She said the FCT sports department was interested in developing all the 32 sports adding: “we don’t intend to leave anyone out.’’
It would be recalled that the festival, which is billed to hold in the first quarter of 2017, has been postponed several times.
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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