Sports
AFCON: Eagles To Play Two More Friendlies
In the bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations with a bang after missing the last two editions, the Super Eagles are billed to have two more international friendlies to play before they head out to Egypt for the 2019 AFCON, the Nigeria football Federation has declared.
While the Eagles’ first friendly this year has been confirmed for March 26 against Egypt in Asaba, the other two opponents being lined up for their final build-up to AFCON 2019 are yet to be named.
Officials at Nigeria Football Federation are awaiting the outcome of the AFCON 2019 draw ceremony at the end of March, to avoid lining up games against teams that might end up in their group at the four week, 24-nation championship in June/July.
NFF top shots at still relishing their ability to get a match at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba against Egypt, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations title seven times and will now host AFCON 2019.
Confederation of African Football last Tuesday voted for Egypt, hosts of the 1959, 1986 and 2006 editions, to also receive the first ever 24-nation AFCON scheduled for 15th June to 13th July.
They will also test their might against the Eagles, who they stopped from going to AFCON 2015 but, like they did for last year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia; have a ticket to AFCON 2019 with a match to spare, following a 1-1 draw away to South Africa on 17th November 2018.
They take on Seychelles in a purely ceremonial session in Asaba on 22nd March to conclude the campaign, and NFF president, Amaju Pinnick says that will be used to kick start the Eagles’ preparation.
Pinnick added: “The match against Seychelles will serve as the beginning of our preparations for the AFCON.
“(It will) be followed four days later by a friendly against the Egyptian national team at the same venue.”
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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