Basketball

‘I Have Offered Myself To Serve’ Igoche Mark Declares NBBF Presidency

Published

5 years ago

December 15, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The founder of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Igoche mark has officially declared his intention to contest for the post of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF President after wide consultation with relevant stakeholders.

A vibrant young man, Mark who is hardworking, committed, and successful serial entrepreneur, a seasoned politician, youth empowerment advocate and athlete, whose core spans expertise is in basketball.

His career as a Basketballer spans over 24 years of experience and active participation in Division 1 and Premier League In Nigeria Basketball.

Igoche has always had a passion for basketball, his first club engagement started in 1997, where he played with the Dodan Warriors of Lagos.

Also, Mr. Mark known to have mentored and sponsored several players that played and currently playing College Basketball in the United States of America (USA). He actively propagates grassroots basketball development in Nigeria.

From 2010 till date, he remains an active member of the veterans of Abuja basketball club.

While declaring his intention at the unveiling of the Mark ‘D’ Ball basketball tournament for the men and Women category that will take place at MKO Abiola Stadium Package B. in Abuja.

When asked if it’s because of the election that the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Tournament resurfaced? He replied saying It has nothing to do with the election. I have been in basketball for years, I have been running Mark D’ Ball for the years.

“For someone to contest for NBBF election you have to be on the board if you on the board then you can vile for the position of president or vice president as the case may be, on my own case I have indicated interest to run or to go on the board as a north-central rep

“Currently, there were a lot of issues with the election the Minister of youth and sports have intervened he set up a committee to reconcile everybody they have submitted their report and we are waiting for the guidelines

“While waiting I have been doing a lot of consultation with various stakeholders and I want to assure all of you today I am here and for me, I have offered myself to serve.” He said.

He assured continued support of basketball in Nigeria: “I will do everything within my reach so that basketball will not die in Nigeria. We must all come together and unite together to bring basketball to life. Let us leave no stone unturned to ensure the growth of basketball.

“The New Face of Basketball Movement is ready to erase the abomination committed in the last four years. Certainly, our local league will become the envy of many.”

However, the federal ministry of sports development has penciled the basketball Federation elections to January 30th, 2022 as a date for the election.

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Basketball

Fresh Ideas, Science Needed to Revitalise Basketball —ABA

Published

6 days ago

September 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

President/Founder, Amateur Basketball Academies, ABA, Aliyu Lucky Abubakar has called for a scientific and pragmatic approach to rediscovering the game of basketball in the North East.

The former player of many teams in Nigeria stated this on Saturday during training of coaches in Yola, Adamawa State.

Aliyu said the training is aimed to arm Coaches so they can, in turn, reach the children, especially those that ABA may not. The Deputy Comptroller in Nigeria Customs Service decried non-challant attitudes of the stakeholders in the development of basketball in the North East.

” Basketball is fading in the North East, and we at ABA will not allow it to die.”

“Adamawa was once a force in the game of basketball but had fallen behind. Our plan is to discover talent through coaching training, nurture it, and carry it from state level to the national team, and eventually, the global stage.” The basketball administrator said.

In his keynote message to the participants, which centered on the theme, “HOPE,” Harnessing opportunity, Organising for excellence, Promoting players’ development, and Empowering the next generation, Aliyu said, is far more than a drill instructors.

” Every child you see on a basketball court has a dream, and it is our job as a coach to spot it early and give it somewhere to go.” He concluded.

In his lecture titled, ” Who is a Coach”, Emmanuel Odah, the head Coach, FCT Basketball and former National Juniors team, described a coach as a committed, organised, affectionate, caring and humble.

” Commitment is consistency, and consistency is mother of progress; humility comes first because a coach who can not control himself can never control a game,” Odah insisted.

Other instructors at the training include ABA head of technical, Coach Adeka Daudu, as well as Coach Alexander Anyebe Ujoh, who spoke about the relationship between a coach and child in his care.

Coaches at the training commended ABA for its boldness to give hopes to basketball coaches all over the country. They promised that lessons learned would reshape and reset their mind on the job. They said the training will help them in understanding their role not only as an instructor but also grooming the children for a better future.

Among guests at the event include FCT Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Iyiola Ogundele and Bayelsa Veteran Basketball administrator, Coach Tony

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