By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Enugu Rangers Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ikechukwu, has suggested that the club may strengthen its squad when the January transfer window opens, following his side’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Bayelsa United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 16 fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Ikechukwu, who praised his players’ commitment after the dominant display, said the technical crew would continue to monitor the mental readiness and fitness levels of the squad as they assess potential reinforcements.

The former Plateau United and Heartland FC coach stressed that only players who demonstrate consistency, discipline, and hard work will earn places in the matchday squad.

“Scoring four goals is exciting for our confidence and team chemistry,” Ikechukwu said, commending the collective effort and high work rate that powered the Flying Antelopes to their eighth league win of the season.

Bayelsa United coach, Mahamo Okara, expressed disappointment at his team’s performance, admitting that conceding early and cheaply in the first half made their task nearly impossible.

“They dictated the game and deserved their win,” Okara said. “We tried to reorganize after the break, but at that point, we were already chasing the match.”

The victory lifts Rangers to fourth on the NPFL table with 25 points from 16 games. They next travel to Benin City for a tough clash against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on December 13.

Bayelsa United, still struggling to find stability following the departure of former coach Monday Odigie, sit 14th with 20 points. The Restoration Boys will host defending champions Remo Stars next weekend in Yenagoa as they search for a turnaround in form.

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Horvel Angels were crowned champions of the 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship after defeating defending champions Fosla Academy 2–0 in a commanding final on Saturday at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The victory capped a breakthrough edition of the competition, which expanded from an Abuja-only tournament to a regional showcase featuring 16 teams drawn from across the North Central zone. The wider participation delivered a more competitive field and unveiled new layers of talent and technical quality.

Horvel Angels struck early through Agatha John, who finished calmly after sustained pressure in the first half. Rising star Lilian Odide sealed the win with a clinical second-half strike, denying Fosla Academy a successful title defence and underlining her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

SIK Paragon of Jos claimed third place with a narrow 1–0 win over Generation Next, earning the bronze prize of ₦100,000. Fosla Academy settled for ₦150,000 as runners-up, while champions Horvel Angels took home the top prize of ₦250,000.

Individual honours went to some of the tournament’s brightest performers. Fosla Academy playmaker Patricia Habila was named Most Valuable Player, Horvel striker Odide finished as Top Scorer with six goals, and Flora Williams of SIK Paragon won Best Goalkeeper after conceding only once.

Horvel Angels head coach, Ogbada Atta, praised his team’s discipline and competitive drive.

“The girls were exceptional from start to finish,” he said. “Beating Fosla in a final is no small achievement. This win means everything to us.”

Despite the defeat, Fosla Academy coach Christopher Igbuku applauded his side’s effort and promised a stronger return.

“We fought hard but Horvel were more decisive today. We will bounce back stronger,” he said.

Founder and sole sponsor of the tournament, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba of the HerGame Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the championship’s growth and reiterated her mission to build a national platform for emerging female talent.

“HerGame is fulfilling its purpose of discovering, empowering and projecting the next generation of female footballers,” she said.

Ayegba, who also serves as FCT FA board member and Head of Women’s Football Committee, thanked supporters including the Nigeria Football Federation for donating match balls and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports for a ₦1 million contribution.

FCT FA Secretary and Head of the Organising Committee, Haruna Ilerika, hailed the standard of play and smooth execution of the second edition, describing it as “top-class.”

With Horvel Angels lifting the 2025 crown and Fosla Academy taking second place, the HerGame Girls Football Championship continues to establish itself as one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots platforms for identifying and nurturing future stars of women’s football.

Among the dignitaries present were Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Hajiya (Dr.) Nafisa Shehu Mohammed, President of ROSOWA; Hajiya Amina Sani-Zango-Daura of the NFF; former NFF President and FOSLA Academy founder, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi; and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong on his retirement from international football, praising him for an “illustrious and exemplary career” defined by dedication, discipline and leadership.

Troost-Ekong, who earned more than 80 caps for Nigeria, announced his retirement on Thursday after a decade-long service to the national team.

The defender was the standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and set a record as the highest-scoring defender in a single edition, netting three crucial goals as Nigeria finished runners-up.

Speaking through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, Governor Eno commended the Akwa Ibom–born star for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football and for representing the state with honour on the global stage.

“On behalf of my family and the people of our dear state, I sincerely congratulate our son, William Troost-Ekong, who has been a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, both as a player and as captain of the national team,”
the governor said.

He added that Troost-Ekong’s achievements have inspired millions of football lovers across Nigeria and beyond:

“Your commitment to excellence and exemplary sportsmanship remain a shining model for younger generations. As you call time on your illustrious international career, I wish you a new chapter filled with continued success and meaningful opportunities.”

Governor Eno also extended his best wishes for Troost-Ekong’s ongoing club career with Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, commending his perseverance and professionalism throughout his journey across Europe and the Middle East.

Troost-Ekong’s career has spanned several countries and leagues. After developing at Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academies, he signed his first professional contract in the Netherlands with FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht.

 He later played for KAA Gent, Norwegian side FK Haugesund, Bursaspor in Turkey, Udinese in Italy, Watford in England, Salernitana, and PAOK in Greece before his 2024 move to Al-Kholood.

Governor Eno concluded by reaffirming the pride of Akwa Ibom people in Troost-Ekong’s achievements:

“Thank you for representing Nigeria with honour, courage and distinction. We are proud of your milestones. Congratulations.”

Troost-Ekong retires as one of Nigeria’s most influential captains of the modern era, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and exceptional commitment to the national cause.

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