Basketball

Basketball Players Storm Sports Minister’s Office,Demand Immediate Action over NBBF Leadership Impasse

Published

3 years ago

May 10, 2022

Nigerian Basketball Players on Tuesday stormed the office of Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, to register in very strong the seeming unwillingness of the Ministry to resolve the post election impasse rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), since January 31, 2022.

Two elections of the said date – in Abuja as directed by the Ministry, and in Benin City, as decided by the immediate past President of the NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida.

The visibly angry players led by the Players Representative in the NBBF Board, Mr.Stanely Gumut later told Sports Journalists that the procession to the Sports Minister office was part of resolutions reached at their meeting held last Tuesday.

Gumut, said at the meeting, the players were aggitated that the ministry appear to be indifferent, while the leadership tussle takes a toll on their individual careers, and hampers the growth of the domestic component of Nigerian basketball,stating that Mark D Ball Basketball Championship has kept them busy.The players insisted that their future after Mark D Ball Championship is uncertain.

The players also decried the inaction of the Sports Minister, as it concerns some other recent events, which in their wisdom is unfavorable to them and the sport.

The players who turned out in their scores added that the resolution to visit the honourable Minister was sequel to the non receipt of a response from series of letters written to the Sports Minister.

“We thought it wise to visit the Games Master General of the country, and have an honest conversation with him. Our visit shouldn’t be deemed a protest, because it is a visit to the Sports Minister, who in addition is the custodian of all sports in Nigeria, is like a father figure to us.Mark D Ball Championship has kept us busy in recent years,but with the championship coming to an end,we are tempted to ask, what would become our future as players?”Gumut queried.

Gumut concluded that unfortunately for the players, the players were told the Minister was not on seat, and would not be in the office any soon, and that left the players with no other alternative, other than to match to the office of the Director FEAD to express their displeasure.

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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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