Basketball

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifier: ASPAC Shock MFM in Opening Game

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Olukoya Girls, the Mountain of Fire Ministry basketball team, began their journey in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women Qualifiers on a disappointing note, facing a 53-48 defeat against the ASPAC Basketball Club of Benin. Despite a strong start in the first two quarters, they gradually lost momentum and succumbed to the firepower of the Benin Republic team in Abuja on Sunday.

At the stunning MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5, Federal Capital City of Nigeria, the game unfolded as MFM Ladies took an early lead in the first quarter, displaying dominance and delighting the home crowd by leading ASPAC 14-9.

The second set also favored the girls from the South West region of Nigeria, securing a victory with a 13-point margin at 27-19.

The third quarter witnessed a turnaround in the fortune of ASPAC, as they staged a comeback, fighting hard to secure 18 points and leveling the set at 38-38.

MFM had numerous opportunities from the free-throw line, but they squandered them as resilient ASPAC fought even harder, ultimately securing a 53-48 victory.

The three female clubs, comprising the hosts Nigeria Customs Service team, MFM Basketball, and ASPAC of Benin Republic, are poised for intense competition, all vying for the coveted two slots allocated for advancement.

After the tournament in Abuja, the two qualified teams will advance to Cairo, Egypt, to compete in the final round qualifications at the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League scheduled to occur from December 8 to 17.

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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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