Basketball

Seyi Johnson emerges Chairperson IWBF (West Africa Region)

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2023

…As Nigeria wheelchair basketball team missing at Africa Para Games

The President of Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Mr Seyi Johnson has emerged Chairperson, International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) West Africa Region on Monday.

Johnson was elected Chairperson at the International Wheelchair Basketball (Africa) congress held in Ghana despite Nigeria’s nonappearance at the 2023 Africa Para Games.

An elated Johnson said the position is a wakeup call for the growth of wheelchair basketball in the region.

He promises to ensure that the interest of the players will be properly represented at various forums.

The Chief Executive Officer of Brussels Sports Management Limited said, “It gives me great joy to be elected the chairperson of International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) West Africa Region. Four months ago, I was elected the President of Wheelchair Basketball in Nigeria and I have given my best within the short period.

“This position is a call to serve the wheelchair basketball community in West Africa and I promise not to disappoint. We are going to be taking collective decisions, we will redefine and reposition wheelchair basketball in West Africa.

“Before the end of the year, I and other members of the executive will map out strategies on how to develop the game in other countries where wheelchair basketball is struggling”, he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria men and women’s wheelchair basketball teams failed to participate at the inaugural edition of the African Para Games due to paucity of funds.

Nigeria has lost its chance of qualifying for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months ago

January 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.

The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.

Several standout players received individual accolades:

•   Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
•   Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
•   Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
•   Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).

Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).

Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.

The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.

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