Basketball

Group Laments FIBA Ban on Nigeria From BAL

Published

3 years ago

January 17, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

Friends of Nigeria Sports (FNS) has expressed its anger and disappointment over the decision of FIBA to ban Nigeria’s representative, Rivers Hoopers from participating in the Basketball Africa League, slated to dunk off in March, this year, across major cities in Africa.

FIBA in a letter signed by the Secretary and Regional Director, Biles Alphonse and addressed to Engr. Musa Kida in his capacity as NBBF president, dated 14th January 2022, the Basketball body said it has decided not to retain the Nigeria Rivers Hoppers Club to participate in the final phase of BAL

This he said is due to the inability of NBBF to confirm to it that it is organizing its own program. They said that FIBA Africa cannot authorize the participation of a Nigerian club in the Basketball Africa League this year.

Reacting to this ban, the spokesperson for FNS, Asiwaju Akeem Busari, described it as unfortunate and demoralising.
” It is unfortunate and highly regrettable that FIBA has slammed its hammer on Nigeria, due to the stubbornness of the sports ministry to disrespect the directives of FIBA.

” Remember, we (FNS), severally warned against the actions and inactions of the sports ministry, which has been premised on the selfish agendas of some officials of the ministry.

Asiwaju Akeem Busari accused the sports ministry officials of blatantly disregarding words of advice from stakeholders in the basketball community not to take over the organization of the final 8 of the male basketball league from the NBBF board which had been in charge of the the game.

Meanwhile Rivers Hoopers will be meeting this week to consider what step to taken in order to participate in the competition.
The ban has dealth a devastating blow to the players and officials who were expected to resume training for the biggest continental club competition.

Continuing, he said, “Nigerians are praying and hoping the sports Ministry will allow the federation to conduct its election as agreed by NBBF congress.

“There are indications that the male and female national teams D’ Tigers and D’Tigress could be banned by FIBA if the elections did not hold on or before January 30, 2022.

However, we are hoping that the Sports ministry listen to the voice of the people by allowing the NBBF hold its election.

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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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