Sports
Basketball: Attendees Of Houston Reunion Charge Administrators To Develop Nigerian Basketball
The Ejike Ugboaja Basketball foundation in the United States of America has organized a Basketball Reunion amongst the Nigerian community in Houston, Texas.
The event which kickstarted on Friday came to an end on Sunday with the owner of the foundation, Ugboaja expressing satisfaction with the turnout while reminding Nigerian Basketball players in the US of their main objective in the State.
“Organizing this shows we want to bring everybody together to understand why we are here, we are not just here trying to roam around the streets, we are here because we have a goal and career. I feel like seeing them, talking to them to make sure that everybody is on the same page on what brought us here,” the Olympian stressed.
The reunion which was organized by friends and ambassadors of the foundation for the first time in Houston is an annual event which helps to guide young Basketball players of Nigerian descent aright in United States while encouraging their home-based compatriots to continue performing at the top level.
One of the organizers of this edition of the reunion, Tony Fela, a former basketball player himself said the reason why the event was staged in Houston this year and not Atlanta was because actualizing the vision of the foundation would involve covering other parts of the US.
“When Ejike and I started talking about this, I told him that we need to diversify this, so that we can be going to every state. Then we said we are going to start from Houston where I reside. I am so happy to see everybody coming all over to gather here today and grace the occasion. The main reason why we set up this thing is just to pass a message to our administrators back home, the club owners and the likes that it is high time Nigerian basketball developed,” Fela said.
The event which was a blend of music and basketball was graced by former D’Tigers Star, Kelechi Anuna and other dignitaries.
The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation is renowned for helping talented basketball players in Nigeria realize their career aspirations in the United States and other flourishing basketball leagues in the world.
Sports
NFF President Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off in Kaduna with Exciting Opening Ceremony
Joel Ajayi
The NFF President Cup Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs began in style on November 12, 2024, marking a key step in promoting football development in Kaduna State and across the league. The tournament, held at the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium, will run until November 20 and promises fans thrilling preseason action and intense competition among participating teams.
The opening ceremony was a highlight, with Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, officially launching the event by kicking off the first ball—a symbolic gesture underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing sports and supporting local football talent. Professor Gugong remained for the inaugural match, where two local teams, Kada Warriors FC and Kawo FA, delivered an exciting performance. In a closely fought game, Kawo FA emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kada Warriors FC.
Chairman of the tournament, Hon. Magaji Alhasan, welcomed the teams and officials in his opening remarks, applauding Kaduna’s warm hospitality. He assured all participants that fair and transparent officiating would be a top priority, with oversight directly under his supervision. Alhasan also expressed his hopes for the NFF President Cup to become an annual tradition, providing a vital platform for NNL clubs to prepare for each season.
With four matches scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tournament promises a nonstop display of football talent that will captivate fans and further enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a center for sports.
The tournament serves as an essential preseason platform, allowing clubs to refine their skills and gear up for the forthcoming National League season.
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