Basketball

Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship: Mo’ Heat edge Gombe Bulls

Published

4 years ago

February 8, 2022

Mo’ Heat Basketball Club on Monday edged Gombe Bulls 73-70 to make it two straight wins in a row at the ongoing Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship in Abuja.

The three-month long championship which began on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium is expected to end in April.

Mo’ Heat had earlier defeated Hot Coal 74 – 55 in their opening game.

Mohammed Shehu, the Proprietor of Mo’ Heat Basketball Club told Journalists that it was a very tough but sweet victory, adding that his goal was to develop the game at the grassroots.

“I had a feeling that we were going to win the game. It’s very interesting and it shows that all the hardwork we have put into the game is beginning to pay off.

“Our basic target is to develop the game at the grassroots in the country.

“We are in the business of searching for young talents and developing them to become the stars of tomorrow and that’s what we’ve been doing all this while,” he said.

Shehu added that the team’s next target was to ensure participation in the Nigeria Basketball Premier League, adding that the league was the real test for the players.

“Our dream is to join the Nigeria Basketball Premier League as soon as the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) crisis is resolved so as to improve the skills of these developed talents through the league.

“The Mark ‘D’ Ball Men’s Basketball Championship in itself is a private and a very good initiative by the new NBBF President, Mark Igoche.

“However, there is a need for these players to participate in the real and highest ranked league in the country, which is the Nigeria Basketball Premier League.

“This is where the players can really be tested so as to ascertain their level of fitness and compatibility as well as the quality of our investment,” he said.

The Mo’ Heat boss decried the poor state of basketball in the last four years in the country, especially on the domestic scene.

He however said he was confident that the league would be resuscitatated as soon as possible with the emergence of Igoche as the new NBBF President.

“We have a new president now and I know him very well.

“He is going to swing into action and ensure that the league is resuscitatated.”

Results of other matches played on Monday at the championship show Apa Flames losing 65-93 to Hot Coal Ballers.

Safety Knights beat Ahip Giants 81-74 and Nile University Spartans defeated Police Baton 68-64.

Tuesday’s games will see Ahip Giants take on Police Baton, while Mo’ Heat face Safety Knights.

Hot Coal Ballers will battle against Gombe Bulls, while Nile University Spartans lock horns with Apa Flames.

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Basketball

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

Published

6 days 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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