Basketball

Eid-El-Kabir:Igoche Mark Greets Muslims, Hails James Nnaji as 31st NBA Draft

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2023

As Muslims across the world mark the Eid- El-Kabir celebration, Basketball Bureaucrat, Mr.Igoche Mark has asked Muslims to meditate on the lessons of the Eid-El-Kabir.

Mark, in his felicitation message on Wednesday says patient and absolute trust in Allah are virtues everyone needs in life.
“Eid El-Kabir has taught us to be patient, prayerful and never to lose hope as Prophet Ibrahim did;not only prayed for a righteous son, he was persistent in the prayer and had absolute trust and faith in Allah even at over eighty years of age.The trust and faith in Almighty Allah even when tested led to the provision of a ram for scrifice.These are virtues needed by everyone in the world today.Happy Eid-El-Kabir.”Mark wrote.

The Initiator of Mark D Ball Basketball Championship also congratulated 18-year old Makurdi born Nigerian basketball player, James Nnaji who was drafted as pick 31 into the NBA.

“Congratulations James Nnaji as the 31st pick for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association, NBA.Your determination,courage and dexterity typifies the Nigerian spirit of always aiming at the top.Nigerians home and abroad are proud of your exploits, keep flying the country’s flag high.”Mark concluded his statement.

Born on 14, August, 2004, Nnaji started his inspiring basketball journey in Makurdi the capital city of Benue State.His dream took a turn for the best when his camp highlights from a Facebook post went viral.

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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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