Sports
Budweiser Game of Kings: Playing With Terry, Carlos, A Boost – Ezenwa
Nigerian top-flight stars will be lifted having played alongside the England and Brazil greats, according to the Nigeria international.
Nigeria Professional Football League players will have the confidence that they can play at the highest level having featured alongside John Terry and Roberto Carlos, according to IkechukwuEzenwa.
Thanks to their ‘Budweiser Game of Kings’ campaign, the premium beer brand flew the decorated players to the West African country to engage in a novelty match alongside the best players in the Nigerian top flight.
Tidesports source reports that the game staged at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena saw Carlos’ Smooth FC overcome Kings FC, led by Chelsea and England Legend, Terry, on penalties after it finished 0-0 after full-time.
Although Ezenwa’s team ended on the losing side, he revelled in participating in the historic match, while disclosing what that means to him and his colleagues.
“Playing in the same team as John Terry and having me control him as my defender is awesome. I also feel honoured playing against Roberto Carlos,” the Nigeria international goalkeeper said.
“It is one story that I’m going to tell my kids about how I played with a legend that has won the FIFA World Cup.
“Also, this list is a morale booster for my colleagues in the Nigeria Professional Football League. This will give them the belief that they can play up to the highest level in football.
“I must give a big thanks to Budweiser for this opportunity and a great event.
“I have been down with injury for the past three months, now, I am 100 per cent fit, this is an atmosphere to show that Ezenwa is back and looking forward to a fruitful career.”
Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, TolulopeAdedeji, had explained that Budweiser sought to give millions of fans who double as beer lovers in Nigeria a unique experience that will stay with them for a long time.
“As a brand that has always supported football, one of the favourite pastimes of many Nigerians, Budweiser is offering a rare experience to thrill its teeming consumers,” she added.
“With the Budweiser Game of Kings Campaign, we are bringing two international football Kings, John Terry and Roberto Carlos, who have a huge fan base here in Nigeria.
“And the idea is not just to have them over for a “meet and greet. Rather, Nigerians will actually watch them play football live with some of our domestic league players.”
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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