Sports
Nasarawa Poly Ready To Host NIPOGA – Rector
Rector, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Prof. Shettima Sa’idu on Monday said that the institution was ready to hosts the 19th edition of the Nigerian Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA).
Sa’idu, who made this known to newsmen in Abuja, said that necessary infrastructure and facilities have been put in place ahead of the games.
“We are ready to host our institutions per say, in terms of infrastructure and facilities, we are ready.
“That’s the truth about it and we look forward to hosting a successful event.”
“For a long time the polytechnic sector have contributed a lot to the sporting world, but that much recognition have not been forthcoming to try to identify with ourselves. So, this time around, we are saying we want to reach out.
“There are some polytechnic products that have reached the height of international figures as far as sports is concerned.
“I have asked them to call Kanu Nwankwo and Segun Odegbami that are household names as far as football is concerned, not only in Nigeria but internationally.
“They are products of the Polytechnics; we’ve never showcased such people.”
Sa’idu, who doubles as the President of NIPOGA, revealed that the institution has new concepts and innovations that would be introduced in order to add value to the games.
He said that the institution was also doing a lot in terms of marketing of the games and seeking sponsorship from corporate organisations, individuals as well as the Federal and State governments.
“The marketing aspect, the new concept, the approach of advertising what we do to really attract is coming from formidable organizations like the A3 Foundation which is headed by the former First Lady of Kogi State, Amb. Aishatu Audu-Emeje.
“Ambassadors like John Fashanu, just the likes of them that are all over, household names and international figures are all out to identify with us.
“Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, we are actually one of those that have the strongest alumni in Nigeria today and we are harnessing on all these to ensure that we have a successful hosting.
“The host community is on board, the state government is supporting us and various individuals and groups are all with us,”
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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