Sports

IMC Holds Draw For 2022/2023 NPFL, As battle begins January 8

Published

3 years ago

December 28, 2022

The Gleamer

…Domestic league to witness turn around – Elegbeleye

…. NPFL champion to take home N100m

Joel Ajayi

Despite many challenges confronting Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, the Interim Management Committee, IMC, said it’s leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the inherent benefit of the Policy is actualized for the development of our domestic football league.

The Chairman of IMC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye stated this at the conducting of the Draw for the 2022/2023 NPFL new League Season on Wednesday, in Abuja, as approved by the Nigeria Football Federation.

The 20 NPFL teams were calibrated into two different groups for the purpose of the abridged League season, already approved by the NFF.

“Today’s event is historic and another remarkable milestone, credited to the Nigeria Football Federation and relevant football stakeholders in Nigeria, our aim is to empower and support our esteemed footballers to excel in their chosen career.

The Interim Management Committee was inaugurated on October 21, 2022, by the Nigeria Football Federation with the following Terms of Reference.

The IMC is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the inherent benefit of the Policy is actualized for the development of our domestic football league.

Speaking on the prize for the winner, Former NSC Chairman Elegbeleye said:

“The champion of NPFL 2022/23 season will smile home with N100m as prize money

He noted that the IMC has secured lofty sponsorship deals for the league, which will definitely add to the fortunes of the Nigerian league in the new season.

According to him, IMC will ensure that the season is hitch-free of violence, thuggery and other vices that can bring the game to disrepute and any club that breaks the law through acts of violence will not be fined N500,000.00 as was witnessed in the past, but three points will be deducted from the team.

“We have secured sponsors for the NPFL and we are glad to announce that the team that will emerge as winners of the league will earn N100m prize money.

“This is a new beginning in the NPFL. The prize money for last season was N50m but this time, it has been increased by 100% and that is very commendable.

“We also have it in good authority that the winner of the NPFL last season has not been paid the prize money of N50m. This will never happen under this dispensation”.

At the draw, twenty teams were grouped in two different groups for the abridged 2022/23 season expected to kick off on January 8, 2023.

The Full Draws:

MATCHDAY 1 (A)

Nasarawa United Vs Enyimba FC

Akwa United Vs Bendel Insurance

Plateau United Vs Shooting Stars

Kwara United Vs Gombe United

Remo Stars Vs El-Kanemi Warriors

MATCHDAY 1 (B)

Bayelsa United Vs Dakkada FC

Wikki Tourists Vs Niger Tornadoes

Doma United Vs Sunshine Stars

Rivers United Vs Lobi Stars

Rangers Int’l Vs Abia Warriors

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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

29 mins 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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