Basketball

Rising Stars U13 Basketball: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo Pick Wins On Day 2

Published

4 years ago

January 25, 2022

By Niyi Busari

Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun have recorded wins in the ongoing Rising Stars U13 Boys and Girls Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

The grassroots championship which started on Sunday, January 23, 2022 saw five teams registered in the U13 Girls while six are competing in the Boys category.

In the first game of the Girls category on Match-day 1, Hoops and Read defeated Ekiti U13 Girls (21-8) while Lagos got better of Ogun State U13 Girls (23-17). In the third match, Oyo handed second defeat to Ekiti (36-6). In the Boys category, Ogun outscored Ekiti (29-17) while Hoops and Read mauled Lagos (40-14) before Osun recorded (24-18) victory over Ekiti State U13 Boys team.

On match-day 2, Lagos U13 Girls beat Hoop and Read (26-12). Oyo state U13 Girls overcame Ogun threats after (21-10) victory. In the third game, Lagos humiliated the whipping girls, Ekiti (23-5). In the Boys category, Osun upset Lagos with a five-point gap win (23-18) as Ogun outscored Oyo (29-21) before Ekiti succumbed to the firepower of Hoop and Read (34-30).

The weeklong event will see Oyo U13 Girls trade tackles with Read and Hoop on Tuesday match-day 3 at 11:00am as Oyo slug it out with Lagos U13 Boys at 12 noon. Ekiti will look forward to redeem their battered image when they face Ogun girls at 1pm after which Osun and Ogun in the boys category fight for superiority at 2pm. Other match-day 3 Fixtures are as follows; Oyo Vs Hoop and Read at 3pm. Ekiti vs Lagos 4pm.

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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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