Basketball

Federal Government Urge To Resolve Basketball Crisis

Published

6 months ago

September 8, 2024

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.

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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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