Basketball

FIBA Shunned FG’s invitation for Mediation in Nigeria Basketball Crises Thrice-Sports Minister

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2022

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has revealed that the Federation of International Basketball Association(FIBA) refused the overtures of the Federal Government three times to resolve the crises rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

In separate letters dated 26, October, 12 November and 17 November, 2021, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare extended invitations to FIBA to visit the country and mediate the crises.

On October 26, 2021 in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of FIBA-Africa, Mr Andreas Zagklis, the Sports Minister noted that, “Nigeria as a country will be happy to receive and welcome a delegation from FIBA to look into the crisis in the NBBF, or recommend a possible solution and advice in resolving the crisis in the Federation.”

This was followed up with another letter on 21 November, 2021 addressed to Mr Hamane Niang, President of FIBA in which Sunday Dare, the Sports Minister highlighted the following:

“I want to encourage FIBA to continue its correspondences with the Secretary General of the Federation in all matters, and would like to firmly assure you that Nigeria will continue to honour all her continental and International sporting commitments particularly its commitment with FIBA.

“Finally, I am extending once again the invitation which I made in the first and only letter to FIBA to urgently send to Nigeria its team to meet with the Basketball stakeholders.

“This I believe is standard practice and Nigeria Basketball must not be denied this opportunity.”

In the final letter of invitation to the FIBA President, Mr Hamane Niang dated 17 November, 2021, the Minister requested thus in his correspondence, “Finally, I once again extend my invitation to FIBA to visit Nigeria and mediate this situation at hand, or alternatively agree to a video conferencing meeting via Zoom at the earliest possible time.

“As it is with International best practices I strongly believe that FIBA will not deny Nigeria Basketball the opportunity of mediation in order to find a lasting solution to its current situation,” Dare stated.

These are very clear indications of the genuineness of the Federal Government’s intentions to ensure a lasting resolution of all the crises rocking basketball in Nigeria.

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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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