Basketball

Air Warriors Remembers Late Coach Saratu Luga

Published

6 years ago

May 18, 2020

On this day, a year ago the basketball community was thrown into mourning following the announcement of the death of one of the most promising female basketball coach in Nigeria has ever seen.

Saratu Luga, ‘World Coach’ as she was popularly called started the game of basketball as a player in her days in the higher institutions and then at AHIP foundation in Kano from 2004-2007, after which she earned the team Captainship, she then graduated to the position of the Assistant Coach in the AHIP basketball Club, Kano. AHIP basketball club is in the National Basketball Federation (NBBF) Zenith Female Basketball League.

She has coached the following teams thereafter, Head Coach for Air Warriors basketball Club of Abuja (Female team) and Assistant Coach for the male team. Head Coach for City Sparks female basketball team Abuja and Coach on the Jr NBA Power Forward project, Abuja.

Coach Saratu Luga was killed in a car accident by a drunken Medical Doctor around the CBN Headquarters in Abuja and seven persons lost their lives in the accident.
The chairman of Air Warriors, Abdulmajid Solademi, pay tribute to late Saratu while calling on the basketball community and stakeholders to support the family.

‘’We lost a young and super talented icon, Coach Saratu Luga, we can proudly say, her leadership skills and commitments inspired our female team to lift 2019 National Women’s basketball league title in our debut season’’.

‘’Some truth in life is hard to accept. Your departure is one of those hard truths. Your memories will never be forgotten, I also urged the basketball family to always support the family she has left behind’’.

According to the Project Manager Power Forward, Terfa Akpoyibo said Saratu Luga will always be remembered for her tremendous contribution in developing young talents for the country.

‘’We will remember Saratu for her great role in the game because she loved her job and embraced it with passionately, she impacted the lives of the children in a positive way and we will continue to remember for all what she did to improve the game at the grassroots’’.

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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

3 weeks 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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