Basketball

NBBF: Ejike Ugboaja, Gumut misguided. Leave the Ministry out

Published

4 years ago

January 27, 2022

The recent media attack and misinformation aimed at blackmailing the Ministry by some players viewed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent ban from the lucrative basketball league Africa is very sad and unacceptable. One begins to wonder what the interest of these players is. Why do they think the Ministry should take sides?

Since September the Ministry has worked hard to resolve the NBBF issue to no avail. Ministry even suspended the October 30 election. FIBA stepped with a stern warning and a series of letters to the Ministry and the Minister. It frowned at government interference and warned of a ban. We managed to escape one, thanks to the dexterity of the Ministry. We made it to Angola.
Ministry has since heeded FIBA advice clearly stated in letters that are already in the Public domain. The Reconciliation Committee report recommended toying the FIBA Line and having the congress make final decisions, not the ministry.

Ugboaja and Gumut need to answer some questions and desist from their ruinous and destructive path. Why did he not stop his own election and that of the technical representative? Is he not representing the players Union on the Board? Or has anyone stopped him?

What about the yearly leagues in divisions one and two, that Kida got title sponsors for? Who took the Kwesse premier league to the court that stopped Kida from organizing?

The court threatened Kida with arrest for contempt of court for trying to cut corners to do the premier league with his own money and tagged it “the president cup”. Immediately the court dismissed their case, Kida again raised money to do the Premier league up to the last 8, before it was high jacked and ran by the Ministry that now caused Nigeria to be banned by FIBA from BAL. He said only 2 tournaments, The nation’s cup, and the Olympics.

Do you just enter into these tournaments without playing the qualifiers? Which are in numerous phases! You can see the numerous events Nigeria attended that Patrick posted above. Not to talk of referred development programmed and others, so many programs at the zonal level that were carried out by Kida without sponsorships!

You can see that Gumut is just talking out of pure hatred for Kida’s tenacity and drive to move basketball forward. If he does not want elections on the other constituencies, tell him to write to the ministry that he has resigned from the Board and let every other elected member do the same.

You can’t be happy that you won your elections and you don’t want other constituencies to have the same privilege.

More so, has anyone stopped them from picking forms that are free to contest? The forms are free. Everyone is free to contest for any position, including the president.

Except for presidents that have served two terms as prescribed by the statutes! All of them making noise, how many of them are delegates?

Which constituency do they represent?
When Buhari was contesting, was it everybody that liked Buhari? So because some people did not like him, INEC should not conduct elections? Their actions portray them as illiterate that don’t even know what they are doing! They are just being misled like cows! If Kida wants to organize a match, will Abuja contain the people that will come! But you can not. Shave like them, that is why he refused to do what they are doing.

Kida is busy campaigning to win over voters with his scorecards, while they are busy printing T-Shirts and spreading falsehood! They should first study the constitution ( statutes) that they were a part of its production with FIBA, NOC, and the FMY&SD’s heavy involvement. Kida did not manufacture it in his bedroom. It was a result of Congress’s decisions that they were apart!
Gumut should have asked his state chairman why he agreed for the statutes to be passed, and which part of the statutes shortchanged him as a player. Is it not the same statutes that got him elected as Players’ rep?

Why did he not turn it down! Sometimes, I truly wonder how some people’s selfishness, foolishness, and utter stupidity are so glaringly displayed to a point of public bemusement!

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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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