Sports
Pinnick Wants Finidi For Super Eagles Job
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, has thrown his weight behind ex-international, FInidi George, to become the next coach of the Super Eagles.
Finidi is among the frontrunners for the vacant position left by Portuguese Coach Jose Peseiro, following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to name a new coach for the team in no distant time, and the former NFF boss believes Finidi fits the bill.
“A player that was once regarded as one of the best wingers in the world. A player that played and like interned under one of the best coaches in the world Louis Van Gaal. At Real Betis he was excellent. At Ajax, if you know Ajax, you should know that they believe in developmental football. So, he has all the qualities. So, what do we need? This is my strong personal opinion,” Pinnick said on a Television programme.
Finidi, who worked as an assistant with Peseiro, was appointed on interim basis by the NFF to handle the team in recent international friendlies against West African rivals Ghana and Mali during the last FIFA break.
The 52-year-old won against Ghana and lost to Mali in what was regarded as an audition for him.
“He played two friendlies; he lost one against Mali amid negative history and won amid positive history against Ghana. He doesn’t have to be reckoned with but he is a strong personality. And I’m sure Finidi will surprise us. I’ve seen it, I’ve worked with him, as president, I brought him up as one of assistant coaches. He has qualities like leadership, dexterity and most importantly humility.
“So, if we have someone who has played under some of the best coaches in the world and also coached at that level, also coaching the most successful club in Nigeria, I think we should build capacity around him,” Pinnick added.
Aside from Finidi, a host of aspirants have been linked with the Super Eagles job and what remains to be seen is how soon the NFF will make an announcement, preparatory to the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in June.
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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