Basketball

Air Warriors Remembers Late Coach Saratu Luga

Published

5 years ago

May 18, 2020

On this day, a year ago the basketball community was thrown into mourning following the announcement of the death of one of the most promising female basketball coach in Nigeria has ever seen.

Saratu Luga, ‘World Coach’ as she was popularly called started the game of basketball as a player in her days in the higher institutions and then at AHIP foundation in Kano from 2004-2007, after which she earned the team Captainship, she then graduated to the position of the Assistant Coach in the AHIP basketball Club, Kano. AHIP basketball club is in the National Basketball Federation (NBBF) Zenith Female Basketball League.

She has coached the following teams thereafter, Head Coach for Air Warriors basketball Club of Abuja (Female team) and Assistant Coach for the male team. Head Coach for City Sparks female basketball team Abuja and Coach on the Jr NBA Power Forward project, Abuja.

Coach Saratu Luga was killed in a car accident by a drunken Medical Doctor around the CBN Headquarters in Abuja and seven persons lost their lives in the accident.
The chairman of Air Warriors, Abdulmajid Solademi, pay tribute to late Saratu while calling on the basketball community and stakeholders to support the family.

‘’We lost a young and super talented icon, Coach Saratu Luga, we can proudly say, her leadership skills and commitments inspired our female team to lift 2019 National Women’s basketball league title in our debut season’’.

‘’Some truth in life is hard to accept. Your departure is one of those hard truths. Your memories will never be forgotten, I also urged the basketball family to always support the family she has left behind’’.

According to the Project Manager Power Forward, Terfa Akpoyibo said Saratu Luga will always be remembered for her tremendous contribution in developing young talents for the country.

‘’We will remember Saratu for her great role in the game because she loved her job and embraced it with passionately, she impacted the lives of the children in a positive way and we will continue to remember for all what she did to improve the game at the grassroots’’.

Share on Facebook

Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

6 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

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.

Share on Facebook