Basketball

‘I Have Offered Myself To Serve’ Igoche Mark Declares NBBF Presidency

Published

3 years ago

December 15, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The founder of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Igoche mark has officially declared his intention to contest for the post of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF President after wide consultation with relevant stakeholders.

A vibrant young man, Mark who is hardworking, committed, and successful serial entrepreneur, a seasoned politician, youth empowerment advocate and athlete, whose core spans expertise is in basketball.

His career as a Basketballer spans over 24 years of experience and active participation in Division 1 and Premier League In Nigeria Basketball.

Igoche has always had a passion for basketball, his first club engagement started in 1997, where he played with the Dodan Warriors of Lagos.

Also, Mr. Mark known to have mentored and sponsored several players that played and currently playing College Basketball in the United States of America (USA). He actively propagates grassroots basketball development in Nigeria.

From 2010 till date, he remains an active member of the veterans of Abuja basketball club.

While declaring his intention at the unveiling of the Mark ‘D’ Ball basketball tournament for the men and Women category that will take place at MKO Abiola Stadium Package B. in Abuja.

When asked if it’s because of the election that the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Tournament resurfaced? He replied saying It has nothing to do with the election. I have been in basketball for years, I have been running Mark D’ Ball for the years.

“For someone to contest for NBBF election you have to be on the board if you on the board then you can vile for the position of president or vice president as the case may be, on my own case I have indicated interest to run or to go on the board as a north-central rep

“Currently, there were a lot of issues with the election the Minister of youth and sports have intervened he set up a committee to reconcile everybody they have submitted their report and we are waiting for the guidelines

“While waiting I have been doing a lot of consultation with various stakeholders and I want to assure all of you today I am here and for me, I have offered myself to serve.” He said.

He assured continued support of basketball in Nigeria: “I will do everything within my reach so that basketball will not die in Nigeria. We must all come together and unite together to bring basketball to life. Let us leave no stone unturned to ensure the growth of basketball.

“The New Face of Basketball Movement is ready to erase the abomination committed in the last four years. Certainly, our local league will become the envy of many.”

However, the federal ministry of sports development has penciled the basketball Federation elections to January 30th, 2022 as a date for the election.

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Basketball

WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji

Published

5 days ago

November 8, 2024

The Gleamer

Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.

“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”

The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.

“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.

The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.

In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

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