Basketball
Dallaji U17 Basketball Tournament: Kaduna Coach Optimistic Of Beating Kano In Final
The U17 Basketball team coach of Kaduna, Simsim Morrison is optimistic that his boys are capable of defeating the hosts, Kano in today’s final of the Noah Dallaji U17 Basketball Tournament.
Simsim said the confidence level of his boys rises as game proceeds saying that it will be an advantage to his boys to win the title.
He said, “in the beginning of the competition when we saw what was happening, we were a bit doubting whether we can be in the final but as game proceeds we have confidence in the players that they will go far because they improve game after game.
He said the aim of playing in the final almost became impossible after losing to Buachi in the preliminary stage.
“But when we lost to Bauchi we thought that was the end of the road but we went back and re-strategise again and I told the guys that we can actually make it to the final. I don’t see Kano or any team as the best in this competition. We’re capable of beating any team. As for me in this competition my boys are the best and ready to beat Kano.”
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Maku, Kano U17 Basketball team coach played down Simsim threats insisting that Kaduna cannot stop them from lifting the trophy.
“We have learned from our mistakes after our loss to Plateau in the group stage, we went back and planned again.
“I have sat down with my boys to identify and fix our weakness . The opponent I know are a good team but the commitment of my boys will see them through.
The same tempo we use to beat Plateau in the Semi-final is the same we will bring into the game in the final to bring smiles into the faces of Kano residents.” He concluded.
Kaduna defeated Kebbi in the Semi-final of the competition to set a final battle with Kano who edged Plateau in the semis.
The final match is scheduled for Sunday (today) at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha stadium, Kano.
Basketball
Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14
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 14th to 15th 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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