Sports
Minister Lauds Wrestling Team Over Performance, Madals
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has lauded the Daniel Igali-led Nigerian Wrestling Federation following the exceptional performance of Nigerian athletes at the African Senior Wrestling Championship taking place in Alexandria, Egypt. The wrestlers have continued to showcase talents and determination, after securing a plethora of medals to continue their stellar form displayed at the African Games in Accra.
In a statement, Senator Enoh expressed profound admiration for the leadership of the Federation, as well as the exemplary dedication of the athletes and officials currently competing for honours in Egypt. He hailed their achievements as awe-inspiring and emphasised their significance in the annals of Nigerian sports history.
After six gold medals and a number of silver and bronze medals at the African Games in Ghana, the good run has not stopped.Christianah Ogunsanya exhibited sheer dominance, overpowering Chahrazed Ayachi of Tunisia with a superiority score of 10-0 to claim the gold medal in the 53kg category. Odunayo Adekuoroye, a force to be reckoned with, secured her 8th African title in the 57kg class by pinning Chaimaa Aouissi of Egypt. Kolawale Esther showcased her prowess by overwhelming Farah Hussein of Egypt with a commanding 11-0 victory, clinching her second African senior title in the 62kg category. Blessing Oborududu, an icon in the sport, triumphed over Osman Badran of Egypt with a resounding 12-2 superiority decision, earning her 14th African crown in the 68kg division. Despite a gallant effort, Hannah Reuben secured the silver medal in the 76kg category after a hard-fought battle with Zainab Sghair.
Senator Enoh was full of praise for the team led by Coach Purity Akuh, as well as the Federation’s leadership.
“In dominating two continental events in two weeks, the Nigerian Wrestling team has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and unmatched abilities,” remarked Senator Enoh. “Their remarkable achievements not only bring pride to our nation but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.”
“The Nigerian Wrestling Federation continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, and their triumphs on the continental stage make us all proud as Nigerians.”
Enoh emphasised the pivotal role of the Federation in showcasing Nigeria’s sporting prowess on the international stage, highlighting their contribution to the nation’s sporting legacy.
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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