Basketball

Nigerians need more from Basketball, Sports Minister Charges Engr. Kida

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, has urged the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Engr Musa Kida, not to relax the oars towards the growth and development of basketball saying that, the country needs more laurels from the Federation.

Chief Dare gave the charge while hosting the victorious national senior women basketball team, D’Tigress, who emerged African Champions for the third consecutive time at MKO National Stadium, on Monday, in Abuja.

He congratulated the entire Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) family under the leadership of Engineer Musa Kida for their feat.

According to him, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership we have at the NBBF, it’s easy for me to single out Ahmed Musa Kida but as a leader, I know that if you don’t have a team behind you, you cannot succeed.

“So, in a collective sense, I want to thank Musa Kida and his team, the coaches, the technical crew for the work they have done.

“You set the bar so high for these girls and for basketball development, and you know the reward for hard work is more work.

“So, we expect more from your players, as they are now the queen of basketball in Africa.

“I want to congratulate them for winning the Afro-basketball trophy which is gold, you can see the Golden cup here for the third time.

“The team have shown a rare dominance in the women basketball terrain from the African continent, I can say it’s now undisputable.

“I also thank them for putting Nigeria on the global map of basketball, the same goes to D’Tigers. I can now say that Nigeria is truly a basketball nation.” He said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman Caretaker Committee NBBF, Engr. Kida, applauded Minister Chief Dare for creating enabling environment in Nigeria for sports to strive.

It would be recalled that, Nigeria Women Basketball team, D’Tigress, have successfully won the Women Afrobasketall title for the third consecutive time.

The Nigeria senior women basketball team won the competition in 2017 and successfully defended the title in Dakar, Senegal, in 2019, after beating the host in the final.

Just on Sunday Night, D’Tigress defeated Mali 70-59 points, to emerge champions for the third consecutive time.

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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