Sports
Rangers Coach Dismisses sack Rumour
Addressing journalists at a pre-match briefing, Ilechukwu gave firm backing to his assistants and insisted the technical department remains completely united. He said his working relationship with his lieutenants has always been built on trust and collective responsibility.
“My assistants are like family. We eat together, work together, and support one another. People outside may misunderstand things, but inside we are completely united,” Ilechukwu said.
He expressed full confidence in chief coach Ekenederichukwu Eke, noting that Eke routinely leads the team whenever he is away on national duty with the Super Eagles.
“In my absence, my assistant can take charge and win matches. That is what good leadership is. Training people to step up when you are not there.”
Ilechukwu also addressed speculation about his job security, stating categorically that there is no basis for the rumours. He stressed his commitment to Rangers and pointed to his professional record.
“All those stories are untrue. It is not possible. I have a contract with Rangers. In every club I have worked, I always finish my contract. I have never been sacked,” he added.
The former Plateau United, MFM and Heartland manager guided Rangers to the NPFL title in his debut season and is now in his third year at the helm after signing an extension last season.
He reserved special praise for midfielder Kenechukwu Agu, describing him as the most complete midfielder in the division and confirming he will start this weekend.
“He is one of the best passers in the league. Sometimes he starts, sometimes he comes from the bench, so we are not predictable”, he said.
The 26-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in eight league matches this term.
His total for Rangers stands at 115 appearances, 17 goals and 10 assists, including a standout free-kick in the recent Oriental Derby against Enyimba.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s fixture, Ilechukwu said his squad have trained well and are fully aware of the challenge posed by Bayelsa United.
He noted their recent form and warned that the visitors cannot be taken lightly.
“We have trained well, and the players know what is at stake. Bayelsa United are not a team to underestimate. We expect a tough match, but I believe we will play well on Sunday,” he concluded.
Rangers, currently eighth with 22 points, host Bayelsa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as they aim to strengthen their push up the table.
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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