Sports
Rangers Still In Hunt For Federation Cup Honours
An 80th-minute strike from mercurial attacking midfielder, Chidiebere Nwobodo ensured that the chase for a seventh championship triumph of the oldest club competition in the country is kept alive by the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C after a dominant display over Doma United F.C in a quarter-final, Federation Cup 2023 encounter.
The encounter which took place inside the Akure Township Stadium saw coach Abdul Maikaba tutored side taking command of the match from the blast of the referee’s whistle signaling the start of hostilities with the trio of Austin Onyemaechi, Shedrack Asiegbu, and Chidiebere Nwobodo showing dominance in the middle of the pack.
Opportunities came and went for the Enugu side as the backline of the ‘Savanah Tigers’ soaked in all the pressures while goalkeeper, Osayi Kingdom was alert to keep out three great chances on 18, 34, and 44 minutes as their arrow man in attack, Charles Chibuike was practically policed by the duo of Uche John and Ebuka Anthony to perfection.
After ending the first stanza on a high, the players returned much determined to carry the day as they continued to search for the game’s opening goal which failed to come until the last ten minutes of the match when Nwobodo in his devastating form connected home a Philp Clement’s inch-perfect cross that hit the upright before nestling in the net with Osayi rooted to a spot.
The introduction of Samuel Pam, Chukwudi Nwaodu, Obinna Idika, and Kingsley Maduforo by the coaching crew at some stages of the contest, to a very large extent, helped in putting the visitors on the back foot for the most part of the second half to help Rangers pick a Semi-final ticket, the first since its last triumph in the now famous, ‘Asaba Miracle’ in 2018 and will have to navigate past the ‘Tin City’ side, Plateau United that defeated Kwara United 1-0 at a venue and date yet to be announced by the organizers, NFF.
An elated coach Abdul Maikaba said in a post-match chat, “It was a good game against a determined and difficult opponent but we stuck to our game plan which gave us the desired victory and a ticket to the semi-finals of the competition. We shall continue to build on the newfound form of the team and work towards being crowned the Federation Cup champions for this year. We are prepared to face any side and fear no foe but respect every team.”
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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