Sports
Basketball Players Protest:NBBF President Igoche Mark Calls for Restraint
The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mr. Igoche Mark has called on Basketball players group, under the aegis of Concerned Progressive Ballers (CPB), to observe maximum restraint, and call off their plan to hit the streets of Abuja this week.
According to Mr. Mark, the NBBF is reliably informed by impeccable sources, that the players have vowed to stage a massive protest in Abuja, to bring to the attention of the Federal Government, and People of Abuja, what they described as, “clandestine moves” by Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, to foist Engr. Musa Kida on them as NBBF President.
In a swift reaction to the above, the NBBF in statement signed by its President, Mr. Mark cautioned the agitated players to exercise restrain, in digesting the rumours, concerning the Sports Ministry stance in the NBBF leadership impasse, which has now gone viral.
He described the report of the Sports Ministry preference for Engr. Kida as fake news, while noting that he remains the authentic NBBF President, as he was overwhelmingly voted into office, on January 31, 2022 in Abuja, by all key Stakeholders of Nigerian Basketball, in compliance with the guidelines, made available by the Sports Ministry.
“I want to plead with our players planning the protest or showdown with the Sports Ministry over the rumour or perceived bias in handling the post election crisis in the NBBF, to please exercise restraint and stay calm. As I speak, there has been no official communication from the Sports Ministry nullifying the election held at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja where I and other members of our Board were elected. We followed the Ministry’s guidelines just like other federation boards that emerged in September, 2021. The report that the Sports Minister has nullified the elections of January 31, 2022 in Abuja is therefore baseless, a figment of the imagination of those circulating the rumor, or put simply fake news.
Mr. Mark went on to stress that the NBBF Board with him at the helm, will always prioritize the welfare, of players, home and abroad, and he has consequently directed the Players Rep in the Board, Mr. Stanely Gumut to meet with the aggrieved players on Monday with a view to listening to their grievances, offer them the true position of things, and ultimately pacify the aggitated ones among them.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
