Sports
NPFL: Teams Battle For Points In Wk26
As the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League goes into week 26 matches today across the country, it will be battle royal as teams battle for crucial points to shore up their fortunes. In Jos, Plateau United’s title credentials will be in for a major test against Nasarawa United today.
The Peace Boys hold a five-point lead over El Kanemi Warriors and MFM FC at the summit. Coach Kennedy Boboye have the luxury of calling on the trusted Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Emeka Umeh, Golbe Elisha, Hamisu Saleh, Philip Azango and Owolabi Hamzat to perform the magic.
For coach Kabiru Dogo, he is confident of grabbing a good result at the Rwang Pam Stadium, following a deserved 1-0 win over Enyimba the last time out. His faith is hinged on the Jos connection he’s got in the team like Anyu Ishaya, Emmanuel Makama and Abdulbasit Shittu.
Enugu Rangers Vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Looking for goals? Look no further than the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium where Enugu Rangers – an attacking minded side – face FC IfeanyiUbah, whose have produced 29 goals in total this season.
The Oriental Derby should certainly live up to it billing as the two sides have promised a positive brand of football ahead today’s meeting.
This week’s match-up is especially enticing since it pits veteran defender Okey Odita against the dreaded Godwin Obaje.
Enyimba FC Vs El Kanemi Warriors
The form of Mfon Udoh, who has struck 10 goals this term, is cause for optimism as Enyimba welcome El Kanemi Warriors to the UJ Esuene Stadium.
El Kanemi are five places and three points better than the People’s Elephant after they thumped Remo Stars 2-0 in Maiduguri and Enyimba will want to close up on them.
MFM FC Vs Sunshine Stars
It has been a superb season for MFM, but a win over Sunshine Stars rekindles their hopes of winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title
With 13 matches to go, the Owena Whales are placed 17th, 10 points behind third-placed MFM who have 40 points.
Continent football will not be coming to Akure next season and Duke Udi, newly appointed as the handler of side, is saddled with the sole responsibility of avoiding the drop.
The reverse was a slim 1-0 victory for the Olukoya Boys, with Stephen Odey finding the back of the net at the Akure Township Stadium.
Wikki Tourists Vs Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists were fortunate to nick a 0-0 draw away to FC IfeanyiUbah. They have 31 points from their 25 matches so far and are 16th in the table, one place ahead of the danger zone.
Lobi Stars earned a vital win in their last league fixture as they edged past Rivers United 1-0 thanks to Imenger Nanen’s late strike in Makurdi.
The Pride of Benue are the better of the two sides considering their head-to-head record as they have seven wins in 17 outings to the Bauchi Elephants’ six.
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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