Sports

Fly High, MakTown Flyers: Igoche Mark Urges Team to Shine at BAL

Published

7 months ago

April 12, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The MakTown Flyers, Nigeria’s representatives at the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL) Championship in Morocco, have been urged to put in more effort to make the country proud.

Basketball promoter and top fan of the club, Igoche Mark, visited the team’s camp in Abuja over the weekend, emphasizing the need for the team to step up their game.

“From the technical side, we are solid and I think what we should do is to put in more effort and tell the world that we are strong, resilient, and we don’t back down,” Mark said.

He assured the team of his full support, promising to ensure their comfort and needs are met. “On our part, we will do everything to ensure that you are comfortable. It is a two-way thing, I am giving you the assurance that we play our own part and you should play your part as well,” he added.

Mark, who plans to personally attend the BAL Championship in Morocco, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities. “To show my support, I will personally be with you in Morocco and cheer you to victory, and I believe this team will make us proud, make Nigeria proud, and make Maktown Flyers proud.”

Team captain, Bright Akuiete, thanked Mark for his consistent support and promised that the team will not let the country down. “We appreciate your support, sir, and we promise to make you proud,” he said.

The MakTown Flyers, guided by experienced coach Abdur Rahman Muhammad, emerged champions of the Nigeria Basketball League in 2025, defeating Rivers Hoopers to clinch the BAL ticket.

Mark had previously hosted the team to a grand reception in Abuja, praising the club’s proprietor, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, for his determination and motivational skills.

The team is set to represent Nigeria at the BAL Championship in Morocco, with Igoche Mark and fans across the country cheering them on.

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Sports

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

20 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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