Sports
Justice Wike Lauds Ex-Chief Judge Over Golf
Eberechi Nyesom-Wike,
the wife of Rivers’ Gov. Nyesom Wike, at the weekend lauded a former Chief Judge of the state, Daisy Okocha, for her contributions towards golf’s development in the state.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, quoted Nyesom-Wike as also commending Okocha for her contributions to the growth of the game nationally .
It said Nyesom-Wike made the commendation while unveiling Hole 12 of the 18-hole course at the Golf Section of Port Harcourt Club named after the retired Justice Okocha.
“The wife of the governor expressed delight that it is the first time a hole is being named in honour of a woman who was also the first female chief judge of Rivers State.
“She appreciated Okocha’s contributions to the game of golf, having served as a Lady Captain and won a bronze medal in golf at the 1989 National Sports Festival in Lagos.’’
The statement further quoted Nyesom-Wike thanking the Port Harcourt Club’s Golf Section for honouring Okocha as a mark of respect for ladies.
In her response at the occasion, Okocha was quoted as describing the unveiling as historic, noting that it was a thing of pride for the ladies.
“By this singular act, the Golf Committee has demonstrated equal opportunity for both men and ladies to own the course,’’ the statement quoted Okocha as saying.
Earlier at the event, Captain of the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section, Emmanuel Okene, had noted Okocha’s role in the golf section.
He said part of the sponsorship was that whenever there was a competition in the course, there would be a Hole-in-1 prize in the hole.
“There will also be the `Nearest the Pin’ prize for both men and ladies,’’ the statement quoted Okene as saying.
Tidesports gathered that the highlight of the unveiling was the ceremonial tee-off by Retired Justice Okocha, followed by a golf tournament for men and women.
The event was attended by the first governor of old Rivers and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Others were a past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), O. C. J. Okocha, the Lady Captain, Judith Obomanu-Assisi, and other golf enthusiasts.
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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