Sports
Confederation Cup: Rangers Ready For USMBA Of Algeria’s Onslaught
The Media Officer of Rangers International Football of Enugu, Norbert Okolie, says the club is ready to beat Union Sportive Medinat Bel Abbes (USMBA) of Algeria in Enugu.
Rangers held the Algerian Champions to 0-0 draw in the first leg of the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup in Algeria.
Okolie told newsmen in Enugu yesterday that Rangers could not let the opportunity of winning the visitors and progress to the next level slip away from their hands.
“Though, we have a good chance against them and the players know that; so there will be no room for complacency till the end of the 90 minutes on Sunday,’’ he said.
Okolie noted that the visitors would have their hands full on Sunday as the strikers were good to go as well as the midfielders to supply the killing passes, saying the defenders were all in form. The Ranger spokesman said that the Algerian champions would not be push-overs for them as they also wanted to progress.
He called for early goals to help destabilise USMBA so that the other remaining minutes of the match would be easy for them. Speaking on the injury update of the team, the spokesman said all the players were free from injury, noting that the technical crew had a full house for the match.
Okolie said that the players had been training morning and evening as the club’s Technical Adviser Olugbenga Ogunbote had also been perfecting strategies for the match.
He praised all the team’s goalkeepers, saying that the cooperation among them was the secret of their good performance in past matches. “Yes, for the past three matches at the Confederation Cup, the Ghanaian goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu, had been in the post but he was able to do well owing to the support of other goalkeepers.
“Bonsu has two clean sheets from the three continental matches we have played so far and it is good for his confidence and other goalkeepers. “He did not concede in our first match against Defence Force SC of Ethiopia which ended 2-0 and the fortnight 0-0 draw in Algeria.
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.
-
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