Basketball

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

Published

3 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

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 weeks 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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