Sports
NNL: Go Round FC Beats Papilo FC 3-1, Go Top League
Go Round FC are now top of the Nigeria National League Southern conference log following a 3-1 win over Papilo FC on Saturday.
Three first half goals from George Vincent, Nelson Esor and Dominic Junior ensured the job was done early before the visitors pulled one back in the 2nd period.
As early as the 3rd minute of the encounter, George Vincent tucked home from close range.
In the 18th minute, captain of the side, Nelson Esor blasted home from a well taken cross delivered by Dominic Junior.
It was Dominic Junior who turned scorer in the 42nd minute when he latched on a defense splitting pass from Stanley Worlu, stylishly beat the goalkeeper and then scored to the delight of the fans.
Top scorer of the side, Ekunta Etenfa replaced Dominic Junior at the start of the second half but it was Chibueze Ebejuo who out of nothing beat the offside trap to shoot beyond goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali to make the scoreline a bit more decent.
Papilo FC coach threw on Chiedozie Madufuro for Chigozie Success and then Goodluck Okeke for Uchendu Chibueze, the new boys putting the Go Round FC defenders on their toes but all game long but not able to score.
Uzor Obinna, the coach of Papilo FC said his boys started off wrongly he enjoyed the game.
“It’s a game. it’s just how it happens. It was a very good game and we will go home to correct mistakes.
“I enjoyed the firm referee. Very straighfor-ward and he is one I will like to meet in my games, both home and away,” Obinna said.
Go Round’s Ngozi Elechi was not too happy about the goal his side conceded.
“I’m glad we won because we are chasing promotion and need to win with goals.
“That is why I am also not happy with the goal we conceded. I am happy with the effort of the boys too and the changes I made to the team paid off,” Elechi said.
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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