Sports
Gym’s Renovation Delights Para-Lifters
Para-lifters, who will soon have a modern facility to train and for competition, have expressed delight with Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc., makers of Peak Milk for refurbishing their gymnasium at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Tidesports source gathered that the renovation of the weightlifting gymnasium which began on June 13 is expected to be completed by August with state-of-the-art equipment installed.
The project, which cover working stations such as training equipment, changing rooms for the users before and after training, conveniences and an electricity generator is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
WAMCO also provides nutritional support which started in December 2016 with the monthly supply of Peak Milk to the national team of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation (NPPF).
Some of the athletes and other users who spoke to newsmen in Lagos expressed delight with the development, saying that the renovation of the dilapidated gymnasium would bring great improvement to the sport.
An 86kg 2012 Paralympic gold medallist, Oluwafemi Folashade, described the renovation as the best thing that has ever happened to the lifters who had been training under discomposure.
Folashade, who applauded the company for coming to their rescue, said the renovated gymnasium would go a long way to boost athletes’ zeal for training.
“I just thank God and appreciate Peak Milk for responding to our cry, I believe that our days of training for and out of competitions under adversity are over, ”she said.
Another Paralympian, Tolulope Taiwo, told newsmen that Peak Milk has brought light to the sport which by extension will affect the Para-lifters that make use of the gymnasium.
Taiwo said the renovation of the gymnasium would uplift the state of the sport also enhance training for the users.
“Now we are training outside because of the work going on in the gymnasium and we don’t mind because it is something that we have been praying for.
“The joy of the whole thing is that very soon our gymnasium will be comparable with those we make use of when we travel for international competitions,” he said.
A 2016 gold medallist in the women’s -79kg Powerlifting event, Bose Omolayo, while applauding Peak Milk for the initiative, urged other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture.
Omolayo said that, the project was a significant way of identifying with the para-lifters in their quest to sustain their passion in bringing honour to the nation in major Games.
“We have many needs of which Peak milk have set the ball rolling so we expect other companies to also come and do something like sponsoring competitions,” she said.
World record holder with a 220kg lift in the men’s -65 kg in powerlifting, Paul Kehinde, told newsmen that he was impressed by the tremendous support of Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc.
Kehinde said that the organisation associated with the athletes in December 2016 and had consistently provided Peak Milk for the athletes monthly at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Sports
FRSC Wins 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League
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.
Sports
Ikoyi Club Tennis Tourney, Winner Takes N4m
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.
Sports
NSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
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.
-
Business3 days agoCBN Revises Cash Withdrawal Rules January 2026, Ends Special Authorisation
-
Business3 days ago
Shippers Council Vows Commitment To Security At Nigerian Ports
-
Business3 days agoNigeria Risks Talents Exodus In Oil And Gas Sector – PENGASSAN
-
Business3 days agoFIRS Clarifies New Tax Laws, Debunks Levy Misconceptions
-
Sports3 days ago
Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions
-
Politics3 days agoTinubu Increases Ambassador-nominees to 65, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation
-
Business3 days ago
NCDMB, Others Task Youths On Skills Acquisition, Peace
-
Sports3 days agoFOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa
