Sports
2022 WAFCON: S’ Africa Defeat Nigeria In Group C Opener
South African senior female national team, Banyana Banyana on Monday once again asserted their superiority over their Nigerian counterparts with a 2-1 win over the Super Falcons in Group C match of the ongoing 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON in Morocco
Goals on 60th and 62nd minutes of the boots of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia ensured that the South Africans once again defeated the reigning Champions 8 months after they defeated them in Lagos to win Aisha Buhari Tourney.
There was nothing to separate the teams in the first half as it ended scoreless.
South Africa had a better statistics, finishing the the first 45 minutes with 59.6% of the ball possessions.
The Super Falcons however created the best chance of the half in the 12th minute when Asisat Oshoala ran into a good position to receive a pass by Michelle Alozie but a South African defender cleared away the ball.
Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi a couple of times had to save Tochukwu Oluehi in goal from trouble after the keeper misjudged the ball when Thembi Kgatlana threatened to score.
It was a match the nine-time champions were anything but coordinated as they managed to hold the the South Africans at bay in the first 45 minutes.
Oshoala had her best chance of the game four minutes into the second half with a left footed strike that South African keeper Andile Dlamini gathered with a smart catch.
The Nigerians could have put the Bayana Bayana under pressure through Ifeoma Olumonu in the 55th minute but her header was weak to have caused any troubles.
Two quick goals by in the 61st minute and 63rd minute by the duo of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia saw South Africa go ahead.
Atletico Madrid dazzler Rasheedat Ajibade however pulled one back for Nigeria in added time but it was too little, too late for the Nigerians.
It is the 3rd time Nigeria is losing to the Banyana Banyana in four matches. They lost 1-0 in November 2018 in Ghana WAFCON, lost 4-2 in the Aisha Buhari Tourney in September in Lagos before Monday’s humiliation.
Nigeria paraded their European based stars that were all lethargic in the game as the young energetic South Africans ran them ragged.
Super Falcons last win over the Orange nation’s was on December 1, 2018 in the final of that year’s edition of WAFCON with the then Thomas Dennerby led ladies triumphing 4-3 on penalty after regulations ended goalless.
Super Falcons will hope to bounce back from the defeat as the face debutants, Botswana on tomorrow.
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.
-
Politics4 days agoWhy Reno Omokri Should Be Dropped From Ambassadorial List – Arabambi
-
Politics3 days agoPDP Vows Legal Action Against Rivers Lawmakers Over Defection
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria, Egypt friendly Hold Dec 16
-
Sports3 days agoNSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
-
Oil & Energy3 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
-
Politics3 days agoRIVERS PEOPLE REACT AS 17 PDP STATE LAWMAKERS MOVE TO APC
-
Politics3 days agoWithdraw Ambassadorial List, It Lacks Federal Character, Ndume Tells Tinubu
-
Sports3 days agoMakinde becomes Nigeria’s youngest Karate black belt