Sports
CAF Confederation Cup: Enugu Fans Laud Ugwuanyi For Toll Free Match
Soccer fans in Enugu have applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for throwing the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium gate open for fans during Rangers International FC match against ASC Kara of Togo on Sunday.
A cross-section of the fans, operating under the auspices of Coal Camp Fans Club, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Enugu last Monday.
They said that the free toll was largely responsible for the massive support from the Rangers’ fans, which helped to boost the players’ confidence and morale.
Rangers defeated ASC Kara of Togo by 1-0 to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
The acting Chairman of the club, Emmanuel Umeadi, said that Ugwuanyi showed that he loves sports by exhibiting such generosity.
“Ugwuanyi did well by removing the toll in order to allow fans free entry into the stadium to support Rangers.
“Fans turnout was massive and it helped Rangers’ confidence and boosted their morale to withstand the visitors’ onslaught.
“The governor is a wonderful man and our prayer is that he should continue the good work,” Umeadi said.
He also commended Rangers’ coach for the victory, pointing out that “any tactics used to gain result is wonderful tactics.”
Another fan, Onyekwelu Okafor, expressed delight with the governor’s decision to remove the gate fee for fans to watch the Rangers’ match.
“Rangers is a big club and they did well in the 1st leg of the competition away from home and finished the job here at home.
“The match tactics of the coach was fine and we believe with our prayers and support the team will qualify from the group stage.
“Let the governor do more because with his full support, Rangers can go far in the competition and premier league,” Onyekwelu said.
Also, Chinedu Nnadi, another fan, expressed joy at the victory and commended the coach for the tactics he adopted to win the match.
He noted:“Our club will like the governor to issue a standing directive for us to watch Rangers home matches toll free”.
It would be recalled that the first leg of the competition ended 2-1 in favour of ASC of Togo in Lome.
Rangers qualified for the group stage of the competition by virtue of an away goal, following a 2-2 goals aggregate.
Rangers’ lone goal of the second leg was scored by Chinonso Eziekwe.
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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