Basketball

FIBA u-16 Championship: Nigeria settles for bronze

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

FIBA u-16 Championship: Nigeria settles for bronze

Team to arrive on Wednesday

Nigeria signed out of the FIBA Africa u-16 championship on a winning note with a 54-53 points victory against Guinea to win the bronze medal.

Having narrowly missed out of the final and an eventual u-17 World Cup ticket, the boys were determined to achieve a podium finish as they overcame a resilient Guinea.

Nigeria won the first quarter, 20-10 points but Guinea closed up the gap and both sides headed into the half time with points tied on 23 points apiece in a quarter that Nigeria only managed to score 3 points.

2nd half started on a frenetic note with Guinea dominating the scorer’s chart to win the 3rd quarter 14-11.

Nigeria rallied back in the 4th quarter to close out the game on 20-16 points and settle for a deserved bronze medal to equal their 2009 record.

Nigeria’s power forward Reuben Chinyelu won the highest rebounder award with 112 rebounds while Farouk Isah got voted alongside Youssouf Sangare (Mali), Ibrahima Diallo (Guinea), Maomen Abouzeid

(Egypt) and Abdullah Ahmed (Egypt) as the competition’s All-Star Five.

The team coached by Fubara Onyenabo departed Praia on Monday evening and will arrive Lagos on Wednesday.

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

5 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.

The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”

Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.

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