Sports
Eaglets Lost To Lucky Team – Jaja
Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Board member, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, says Golden Eaglets of Nigeria were unlucky to have lost 0-1 to Switzerland in the final match of the FIFA Under -17 World Cup decided penultimate Sunday at the Abuja National Stadium.
Speaking with Tide sports Thursday, in a telephone chat, Jaja said the Eaglets did not lose to a better side, but to a lucky team, which was able to convert the only chance that came their way.
“Besides, soccer fans should not see the outcome of the final game between Eaglets and Switzerland as a taboo because one thing is certain in football, either you win, draw or lose at the end of every match.”
He continued that the Eaglets actually gave a good account of themselves as well as acquitted themselves creditably not withstanding that they lost gallantly in the final game.
“After all, not too many people gave the team the chance of getting to the final stage from the beginning of the championship,” he said.
On the general overview of the tournament, the immediate past president of Nigeria Referres Association (NRA), did not mince words to score the standard of the game above average, even as it was not as high as previous editions.
Reacting to calls on the elevation of Coach John Obuh to the Under-20 national team job, the football administrator stated that it is only NFF, which employed Coach Obuh that knows where to place him, having seen him perform well within six months he was drafted in to groom the Eaglets team.
“Truly, I do not think it will be too much of a reward if the NFF happens to promote him to handle the Under-20 team, but if they insist to allow him continue with the Eaglets, nothing is bad as well, rather it would make him consolidate on his experience and properly get mature to move to the next level.
On the Super Eagles qualification for 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the amiable Jaja commended the team, but he did not fail to attribute the victory to players’ determination rather than the technical input of any one.
“Truly, let the management of the Super Eagles team be well informed that qualifying for World Cup is not the ultimate but good representation is what matters”, he warned.
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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