Sports
NEC Throws Weight Behind SWAN President
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has thrown its support and confidence behind its President, Mr. Honour Sirawoo over the recent misunderstanding that rocked the association in relation to the association’s inability to send nominations for the Executive Committee Election of the Association of International Sports Press, AIPS.
In a communiqué issued by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of SWAN after an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt last week, the committee noted that Sirawoo did not act unilaterally in the matter and reaffirmed its support and confidence in his leadership.
Other resolutions contained in the seven-point communiqué include;
The misunderstanding over the issue and subsequent reactions were uncalled for, as the president, Mr Honour Sirawoo did not act unilaterally on the issue having followed provisions of SWAN statutes.
This was a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the SWAN held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It reaffirms NEC’s support and confidence in the president.
NEC thank all stakeholders who intervened or showed concern during the misunderstanding.
The communiqué also had it that since no one officially applied to SWAN for nomination for the AIPS election as demanded, NEC states that in event of extension of the AIPS (Africa) election, SWAN would once again advertise for nominations.
Consequently, any eligible SWAN member should apply through the official channel to be provided by SWAN.
NEC also urged members of SWAN across the country to participate in the ongoing membership revalidation exercise and ensure that their membership status is upto date.
INEC warned all state chapters and zonal offices to refrain from issuing unwarranted statements on issues of National scope, as it is the prerogative of the NEC to do so.
NEC strongly cautions the chairman of SWAN, Lagos Chapter, Mr Fred Edoreh and others who acted outside the statutes thereby fanning the embers of misunderstanding in the association.
The Statement was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo (VP North East) –Chairman, Jude Opara (Zonal Secretary, North Central)- Secretary, Eddit Bakom (Zonal VP, South-South)-member and Gabriel Nwanetanya ( COS) – member.
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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