Basketball
16 Teams set For Mark D Ball Championship in Abuja
By Joel Ajayi
Ahead of the Mark D Ball Basketball Championship billed to commence on January 15, in Abuja, Organiser has announced 16 teams for the basketball tournament, an increment from the 12 teams announced during the unveiling.
Secretary of the Local Organising Committee LOC, Umaru Abdullahi in a statement issued on Monday, explains that 16 teams were chosen because of the clamour from clubs to participate after being starved of championships/tournaments.
According to him, upon consideration of requests from clubs to participate in Mark D Ball Championship, We (LOC) decided to increase the number of participating teams from 12 to 16.
“It is glaring that the appeal from clubs is due to a drought of basketball games for a long time, and we decided to increase the number to accommodate these requests. “Abdullahi stated.
The team includes; Air Warrior, first bank, Delta Force, Sunshine Angels, Customs, Novena Queens, Kada Angels, Benue Princess, and Plateau Rocks as teams selected for the championship.
Others are; Mountain of Fire, FCT Rocks, IGP Queens, Taraba Hurricanes, Nasarawa Amazons, Hot Coal Sizzlers, and Bayelsa.
Abdullahi’s statement added that all participating teams must adhere strictly to all Covid 19 protocols.
Mark D Ball Basketball Championship will dunk off at the indoor hall of the MKO Abiola Stadium on January 15, 2022.
Basketball
Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions
Joel Ajayi
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.
In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.
The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.
To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”
Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.
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