Sports
Oduah Donates Wheelchair, Cash To Ex-Rangers’ Player
A foundation player of Rangers International FC of Enugu Kenneth Abana, has received a donation of wheelchair from Senator Stella Oduah to enable him move around in his house.
Abana popularly called ‘Magician’ for his great skill and strength during his playing days is currently confined to his bed and side chair due to a serious health challenge from his waist to his legs.
Sen. Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, also gave Abana cash (amount withheld) for his daily upkeep and medical needs.
Abana was joined by members of his family and kinsmen in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, to receive the gifts.
Chairman of Ikpeazu Redoubtable FC, Onitsha, Odi Ikpeazu, who made the presentation on behalf of the Senator said she was deeply touched when the veteran player’s medical condition was brought to her attention.
Ikpeazu described Abana as a football idol whom he had been watching on the field from childhood and who gave joy to the people and quickened the healing of the Civil War wounds, especially, in the South East.
He said such people deserved the best they could get from the society while they were alive and should not die regretting that their contributions to humanity were not appreciated.
He said that when the Ex-Rangers Chairman told him about Abana’s condition, he quickly contacted the Senator who swiftly responded with the donated items.
“Abana is a hero, I am particularly privileged to have been the one to make the presentation, he and his contemporaries played better and for humanity in their days.
“These are national treasures that should be supported by government, most governors we have now were very young when the likes of Abana were playing football.
“On behalf of Sen. Oduah, I want to call on governors to look for these living legends and help them according to their needs,” he said.
Chairman of Ex-Rangers players in Anambra Arthur Ebuna, said, ‘Magician’ has been an inspiration to him and to the members of the football community who know him.
Ebuna said, he was worried that Abana after the burial of his teammate,NwabuezeNwankwo, had been confined to bed due to ailment.
He said that the situation had led to bedsores and nurses were only coming to treat him.
“I was sad that Abana’s health had deteriorated this much that he could no longer move about, nurses only come to dress the wounds and I started reaching out for assistance”, he said.
Sports
FRSC Wins 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League
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.
Sports
Ikoyi Club Tennis Tourney, Winner Takes N4m
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.
Sports
NSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
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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