Basketball
Lagos, Osun Record Wins In Day 1 of Rising Stars U17 Girls Basketball Championship
Osun, Lagos and Ogun started the inaugural Southwest Rising Stars U17 Girls Basketball Championship on winning notes.
Osun whitewashed Ekiti girls 45-29 in the tournament opening match before the hosts, Lagos handed a ten-point gap defeat to Oyo in the second match. Ogun however, edged Ondo 24-26 in the last match on Friday.
Meanwhile, the organiser has announced that Saturday will be a rest day while three matches will be played as action resumes on Sunday.
In the Day 2 fixtures, Oyo U17 Girls will look forward to restore hopes when they file out against Ogun as in-form Osun, the table topper are ready to consolidate on their performance when they lock horns with Ondo in the second match.
Ekiti State will look forward to bounce back from their loss when they face Lagos in the last game on Sunday.
Adetayo Awojoye, Ekiti State U17 Girls coach is not ruling out their chances of winning the title. He’s optimistic of picking maximum points against Lagos when they meet on Sunday.
“We are pained to have lost the first match but we have learnt a lot from it and that will serve as enabler to win our next matches and move on to the final.
“We are here for the trophy and we will not allow the loss to discourage us but rather use it to our advantage by winning our opponents on the road to final.”
Also speaking, the former captain of D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, founder Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation was satisfied with the performances of the players and commended Lagos State Sports Commission for their support.
“I am happy that the competition meets the expectations.” The president of Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) told journalists.
He added, “Yes, the girls put up good fights against each other. I am impressed with I saw today. That showed the level of talents Nigeria has. All they need is a platform like this for them to develop their skills, gain experience and become better in the game.
“I want to commend Lagos State Sports Commission for their support and also those who have rendered one support or the other in making this inaugural edition possible.” He concluded
Basketball
Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions
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.
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