Sports
2010 W/Cup: Ike Uche Ready, Raving To Go
Real Zaragoa striker Ike Uche has denied reports in the local media that he is battling with a fresh injury concern ahead of Nigeria’s 2010 World Cup camp.
Uche is angry with reports which suggest he has been out of Real Zaragoza last two matches due to an undisclosed injury.
The 26-year-old only just returned from almost seven month lay-off for Real Zaragoza in late April and has been a regular fixture in the training squad.
But two days after being named in the Nigeria provisional World Cup squad, the forward is rocked by rumours and speculations regarding his absence in club action.
“I do not know where these stories have come from,” he said. “There is nothing at all wrong at the moment. I have been training like other players and feel perfectly okay.
“I was given the all-clear in March and since then there has been nothing to worry about for me or the doctors.”
Fears over Uche’s fitness surfaced when he was not included Real Zaragoza’s back to back fixtures against Espanyol and Xerez on 6 and 8 May respectively.
The fact that it became a constant discussion back home in Nigeria left the player and his club bewildered.
“I was in the team for our game against Deportivo La Conma at the Riazor ten days ago but the coach decides who travels and play not me,” said Uche.
Uche is now looking forward to Saturday’s final game of the season at Estadio La Romareda against visiting Villarreal who are chasing a Europa League spot.
With one mind in Spain, the forward is also casting an eye on the challenges ahead in the coming weeks for country.
“It will surely be a tough encounter; they (Villarreal) want a place in Europe, and we are seeking a better finish in the league,” Uche added.
“Hopefully I will get a chance to play on Saturday, move to the next phase, which of course is to switch the mindset towards the fight for a place at the World Cup.
“Everyone wants a chance to be in South Africa but only form, fitness, determination and hard work will take me there.
“That is all I can say because previous performance counts for nothing if you cannot prove to the coaches that you deserve a place in the team.
“I wish other players all the best because it will be a healthy competition for a place on the plane to South Africa, and if everyone is fit to fight then the country gains.”
Nigeria, who are struggling to schedule warm-up matches, face Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B at this summer World Cup.
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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