Basketball

NBBF banks on FG’s support for FIBA World Cup campaign

Published

6 years ago

August 25, 2019

NBBF banks on FG’s support for FIBA World Cup campaign

Joel Ajayi

Less the 6 days to the FIBA Men’s World Cup in China, the Nigeria Basketball Federation is optimistic about government’s support for the D’Tigers team already in China.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after the presentation of the 2019 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket trophy to the newly appointed Honorable Minister of Sports Sunday Dare, the NBBF President Engr Musa Kida said the boys are focused on the task ahead.

“The fact that the men have already gone to China is a very good sign that they are now confident just like I am confident as the NBBF President that we are going to get some help from government.”

Although he admitted that the task of prosecuting the 2019 FIBA World Cup is daunting, Kida said that the NBBF is focused on forging ahead and achieving results that Nigerians will be proud of.

“I think I will just put it to rest at this time that we will just forge ahead. We will keep our eyes on the ball and make sure we play well.”

On what the federation is doing to internally generate funds for its programs and the National teams, Kida said, “We are so far flaunting our results and we do have entreaties from more than 2 sponsors who are saying they will come to us.”

He lamented the sponsorship culture in Nigeria which has continued to make it difficult for the NBBF to attract the sponsorship backing from corporate organizations despite the strings of successes recorded since the board took over in 2017.

“I think the general culture of sponsorship in the country needs to be remodified and needs to be reformatted so as to encourage those who really sponsor and see value in sponsorship”, Kida said.

Nigeria will face Argentina, Russia and Korea in Group B.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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