Sports
Kidnappers Abduct Sports Journalists In Owerri …NSC, Imo Govt To Secure Their Release
Three journalists working for African pay tv sports channel SuperSport were abducted by gunmen on Monday near Owerri, although one escaped on Tuesday.
The journalists, two Nigerians and one South African, were heading to the airport on their way back after producing a live Nigeria Premier League game in Enugu on Sunday.
They were ambushed and attacked by a posse of around 28 gunmen just five minutes from the Owerri airport. The three; Bowie Atama, a commentator, Alex Effiong a cameraman, and Nick Greyling, a South African technical production staff, were taken.
Effiong, however, escaped from his abductors a few hours later.
Another was shot and is receiving treatment, while unconfirmed reports say a bystander is said to have been shot and killed.
Felix Awogu, General Manager of SuperSport Nigeria, said contact had been established with the kidnappers.
“Everything is under control. Our staff are well and we are optimistic that everything will be okay.”
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Imo State government have begun moves to secure the release of the three sports journalists kidnapped on Monday in Owerri.
Awogu, told Tidesports source, yesterday, in Lagos that the NSC Director- General, Dr Patrick Ekeji, had met with the Imo government on the matter.
He said that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom but his office was not negotiating with them. He did not disclose the amount demanded.
“Ekeji and the Imo State Commissioner for Sports are the ones handling efforts to secure their release,” he said.
Awogu said one cameraman was shot, while another escaped.
Meanwhile, the police in Imo said that they had intensified efforts at finding the kidnappers.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Linus Nwaiwu said: “The command is working painstakingly to put together the shred information at its disposal to ensure the gang is smashed.
“The incident does not in any way suggest that the security of the state is porous or that the police in the state have gone to sleep”.
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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