Basketball
Federal Government Urge To Resolve Basketball Crisis
Igoche Mark, a renowned basketball promoter, has called on the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the lingering crisis in basketball, which has hindered the development of the sport in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists at the closing ceremony of a two-day basketball camp organized by the Veterans of Abuja (VOA) for kids between the ages of 4-16, Mark emphasized the need for the government to tackle the root causes of the crisis, rather than just treating the symptoms.
“The problem of basketball has been lingering, and it’s still unresolved,” Mark said. “I urge the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle the root causes, rather than adopting the cosmetic approach of past governments.”
Mark highlighted the importance of sports in addressing some of the country’s challenges, including insecurity and economic woes. “Sports can be used to tackle insecurity challenges, economic challenges, and unemployment,” he said. “I enjoin the Federal government to pay more attention to sports and settle the crisis in basketball, as this will yield positive dividends.”
The Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, founded by Mark, remains one of the biggest basketball championships in recent times, and he has maintained his unwavering support for the game. Mark expressed optimism that with the right leadership in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the sport will become an envy to many.
“The potential of basketball in Nigeria is enormous, and with the right leadership, we can achieve great things,” Mark said. “I believe that the government and the key stakeholders can work together to resolve the crisis and take basketball to the next level.”
Mark’s call to action comes at a critical time for Nigerian basketball, which has been plagued by internal conflicts and mismanagement. The government’s response to the crisis will be closely watched by stakeholders in the sports sector.
Basketball
WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji
Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.
Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.
“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”
The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.
“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.
The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.
In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.
-
Featured5 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured5 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured3 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports2 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
Featured5 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
News1 year agoJubilation In Kaduna As Tribunal Upholds Ekene Adam Winner Of Reps Election
