Sports
Why I Shelved Plan For Seven NPFL Non-Roster Invitees -Eguaveon
Nigeria’s caretaker manager Augustine Eguavoen has explained why he shelved the plan for seven Nigeria Professional Football League non-roster invitees to train with the national team in Abuja ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tidesports source reports that the Super Eagles legend was in touch with players from Enugu Rangers, Kwara United, Kano Pillars and Rivers United among others, only for him to jettison the idea on second thought.
Eguavoen stressed that it made no sense for the seven domestic-based players to train with the team as their clubs have key matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
None of the NPFL stars stood a chance of being included in the traveling squad to Cameroon this week simply because their names were not on the provisional roster submitted to the Confederation of African Football.
“I still have their names, about seven home based players I wanted to be in the midst, train and then see what happens but my hands were so tied that the league only started on the 19th of December,” Eguavoen said to NFF TV.
“I know players have to play in their teams, no time to play any friendly games.
“I had to reach out to Tope (Olusesi) from Rangers, (Musa) Afeez from Kwara United, Uche (Onwuansanya) from Rivers United, couple of players but we have to submit a list, so there is no time to actually give them that opportunity to play friendly games but hopefully they will also still have a chance.
“But it really doesn’t make sense to bring them now, deny them from playing for their clubsides midweek, weekend, and then we are on the plane to Cameroon, and to go back home. It doesn’t really make sense but their chance will come”.
Enyimba’s John Noble is the only home-based player included in Nigeria’s 28-man squad list for the Africa Cup of Nations and definitely starts the tournament as the fourth choice in the pecking order of goalkeepers.
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.
-
Politics5 days agoTinubu Increases Ambassador-nominees to 65, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation
-
Sports5 days ago
Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions
-
Sports5 days agoFOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa
-
News5 days agoFubara Assures Greater Collaboration With Navy
-
News5 days agoRHI: First Lady Gives N50m Business Grants To Rivers PWDS, Disabled Veterans …As RGS Unveils Free Medical Services For Vulnerable Persons
-
Politics3 days agoWhy Reno Omokri Should Be Dropped From Ambassadorial List – Arabambi
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoNCDMB Unveils $100m Equity Investment Scheme, Says Nigerian Content Hits 61% In 2025 ………As Board Plans Technology Challenge, Research and Development Fair In 2026
-
Sports2 days agoNigeria, Egypt friendly Hold Dec 16