Basketball

Basketball Ban: Group Frowns At Attempts To Blame Kida For Looming FIBA Ban

Published

4 years ago

May 23, 2022

The attention of the Friends of Basketball has been drawn to a very malicious piece titled ‘FIBA, Kida Threaten Nigeria with Basketball Ban’ and find it extremely insulting to all right thinking stakeholders who are embarrased by the needless drama.

Why would Kida and his Board want to ridicule the Nigeria Basketball Federation and pitch his leadership and Board against the government?

To set the records straight, the latest letter from FIBA dated 18, May 2022 circulated on social media was never at the behest of the NBBF but a direct reaction to the request letter written by the Ministry to FIBA on the 12th May 2022, to withdraw Nigeria from all international basketball activities.

Kida and his board did not write that letter it was the Ministry. So why blame Kida and co who are just bystanders like you and I?

It was the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, without the courtesy of informing the NBBF, the only organ that FIBA relates with in Nigeria that wrote that letter referenced by FIBA.

They openly showed their might through their public press releases, videos, and pronouncements which went viral on social media, and they think that it will not get the attention of FIBA? With Igoche Mark and his group developing confidence and enjoying the support of the ministry to issue derogatory press statements against FIBA and Kida, for a process that they were not part of because they do not represent any constituency.

For students of International relations, they are aware that despite the sovereignty of nations, they are still bound by clauses of treaties and international organizations to which they belong. In this case, the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) which governs global basketball frowns at the influence of third parties, in line with Article 9.6 of FIBA General Statutes which Nigeria agreed to when it joined FIBA. NBBF or Kida did not draw those statutes for FIBA and neither was Kida or the present Board a part of drawing up the statutes. They met the statutes and must respect them.

The NBBF has no interest in seeing Nigeria thrown out of the international reckoning after years of sacrifices that have seen the D’Tigress climb to first in Africa and 14th in the world on the back of the Afrobasket treble trophy performances, qualification to the Olympics, and their unprecedented performances at the world cup in Spain. The D’Tigers too have recorded sterling achievements which started with a 2017 Afrobasket silver medal, world cup, and Olympics qualifications.

The first time Nigeria had the two teams at the Olympics and the only Federation that had its male and female teams at the Olympics for the first time in the history of Nigeria.

We make bold to say that in the last two international outings of the national teams, which are by the way a product of the hard work by NBBF over the last 4 years. The federation had to bend over backward to accommodate the Ministry of Sports in paving the way to avoid Nigeria being banned due to government interference.

These sacrifices were made to protect Nigeria as a country, protect the players who would have been affected by the decision, and also build on the successes recorded in the last 4 years.

Dear Nigerians, we make bold to say that the Kida lead board remains committed to the development of basketball in Nigeria and the welfare of its athletes. Withdrawal from international competitions by the FG makes a joke of the millions spent by the government to qualify for the FIBA Women’s World cup. The resultant FIBA ban, as a result of the specific request by the Ministry, and that the ministry is indulging in, will make a mess of the sacrifices of our heroes and heroines who have shed sweat and blood for Nigeria to be where it is.

We, the friends of Basketball, keep wondering what the motivation is for the Ministry to keep destroying the only Sports federation that has continued to put the name of Nigeria on the global map of sports in the last four years with great results to show for it and ferociously killing the golden goose that lays the golden egg.

Why will the ministry want to hang Kida for merely forwarding the FIBA letter for their attention?

Did they expect FIBA to ignore their affiliate member and communicate with an organ that is not their interlocutor? They should find out from all the other 40 plus Nigerian Sports federations of their international federations communicate directly with the government.

The ministry needs to truly understand the relationship between the sporting federations they supervise and their international federations.Enough of this constant blames heaped on Kida and his Board for the mess created by the Ministry and the hangers-on they are encouraging to destabilize a legally and constitutionally elected Board!A stitch in time saved nine!!

God bless Nigerian basketball.God bless Nigeria sports.God bless Nigeria.Friends of Nigeria Basketball ( FNB)

Share on Facebook

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.

Share on Facebook