Basketball

2020 Olympics: Ogwumike, Akhator, 14 Others Hit D’Tigress Camp In Atlanta

Published

4 years ago

January 30, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has invited 16 players to Atlanta for a 10 day training camp as preparation commences for the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

Training camp to be held at Fairfield Inn & Suites, Atlanta will start on Sunday, 31st of January and end on Monday, 8th, of February.

The list is headlined by centre, Elizabeth Williams who plays for Atlanta Dreams in the WNBA and 26th overall draft pick, Erica Ogwumike, Minnesota Lynx who are part of the five new faces joining the team.

Nicole Enabosi will have another chance to be a part of the team after missing out of the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain due to injury she suffered while with the team.

Forward, Amy Okonkwo with Club Deportivo Zamarat, Spain has also been invited alongside Oderah Chidom, with Tsmoki-Minsk BC of Bulgaria as well as Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah with Pallacanestro Vigarano of Italy.

Most Valuable Player of the 2020 Afrobasket, Ezinne Kalu who plays for Landerneau BB makes a return to the team with Promise Amukamara (Charnay BB) and Evelyn Akhator (Flammes Carolo) all based in France.

Team captain, Adaora Elonu (Uni Girona CB) will lead the Spanish legion which has Elo Edeferioka (Celta de Vigo Baloncesto) and Atonye Nyingifa (Ensino Lugo Club de Baloncesto)

Coach Otis Hughley also handed an invitation to Sarah Ogoke, Sarah Imovbioh (Basketball Club Namur-Capital, Belgium), 20 year old guard, Elizabeth Balogun with Louisville Cardinals as well as Kosovo Superleague side, KB Bashkimi new signing and four time FIBA Afrobasket winner, Aisha Balarabe.

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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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