Basketball

Basketball: Expect More Domestic Games in Nigeria-Igoche Mark

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Initiator of the Mark D Ball women’s Basketball Championships, Igoche Mark assured lovers of Basketball in Nigeria that plans are being perfected to have the tournament played constantly across the country, in a format replicating the NBA regular season games.

Mark said that the New Face of Basketball is a project focused on the reviving the domestic component of the slam and dunk game.

He gave this assurance at the ongoing 2022 edition of Mark D Ball women’s Basketball Championship on Saturday in Abuja where Sunshine Angels of Akure out-dunking Hotcoal Slizzers of Abuja 28-20.

Mark recanted how league and grassroots aspect of Basketball in Nigeria were deflated for a very long time and unable to bounce; and asked all stakeholders to rally round him as one United family to sustain the momentum and ensure that the inflated ball will keep on bouncing, uninterruptedly, by ensuring that games are played across the country, regularly.

It will be recalled that, Mark decleared his intention to run as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF)

Igoche equally dwelled extensively on the deflated ball which has not been bouncing for a long time, and replaced it with an inflated ball, branded “Mark D Ball, the New Face of Basketball in Nigeria”.

He said his target is to see the ball bouncing non-stop, and the young ones play as many games as possible just like in the NBA where 82 games are played in a regular season.

“Even if we cannot play 82 games, let’s play something close. This is what the New Face of Basketball is all about” Mark stated.

Prior to the Opener, players of all the 16 participating teams, aptly dressed in fitting branded Mark D Ball tops marched unto the Court of the Multi Purpose Indoor Sports Hall in Package B, with thousands of Basketball faithful, their friends and family as well as a number of Performing Artiests cheering them, from the stands.

The young Sportpreneur was visibly pleased with the massive turn out for the opening ceremony, and praised Nigerians and corporate bodies who still believe in the game, and demonstrated such by committing resources and co-sponsoring the rejuvenated Championships.

Asked how he was able to put together such a huge event, Mark added that effective planing, and mobilizing passionate and committed young men and women to get things done, were key to the success story witnessed at the opening ceremony.

“The turn out has been massive, everybody is happy to play. Effective planning is key, we put a whole lot to planning. We have a lot of sponsors who still believe that Nigeria basketball can still rise again, we approached them and they obliged our request.”

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

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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