Sports

Basketball Grassroot Development my Only Target-NBBF President, Igoche Mark

Published

4 years ago

February 28, 2022

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF,Mr.Igoche Mark has again re-echoed his resolve towards grassroot development of Basketball,while admonishing elderly stakeholders to play advisory role rather than jostling for NBBF positions with the younger generation.

Mark,spoke at a dinner organised at the weekend for players of Round 1 Group C at the ongoing Mark D Ball Basketball Championship holding at the Package B,MKO Abiola stadium,Abuja.

The NBBF President took time to eulogised the founder of the defunct Gboko Heat,Philip Akiga over his advisory role the basketball stakeholder is currently playing.

“I have sworn long ago that my goal and target for Basketball in Nigeria is to develop this game from the grassroot,this I am committed to do.The joy in my heart knows no bound whenever I see raw talents expressing themselves in the court.When I started Mark Mentors,it was replica of Gboko Heat,because they were perfect example for serious minds to emulate.Let me use the opportunity to thank Mr.Philip Akiga who I learn alot from in the past.I also want to thank him for his advisory role he has been playing towards developing this game;and I wish other elderly stakeholders can take after him by playing advisory role,rather than this tussle for leadership positions.”Mark started.

The NBBF Supermo, thanked the founder of Mo Heat Basketball club, Mr. Mohammed Shehu for organising the dinner for the players

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Sports

“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports

Published

3 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.

“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.

“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.

Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.

Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.

In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.

The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.

With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.

His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.

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