Basketball

Kida bags NBBF General Assembly’s Vote of Confidence

Published

7 years ago

April 17, 2019

Kida bags NBBF General Assembly’s Vote of Confidence

The General Assembly of the Nigeria Basketball Federation has passed a Vote of Confidence on Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida as President of NBBF following the laudable achievements recorded under his watch since taking over in 2017.

The Annual General Assembly which had 28 out of 36 states of the Federation and the FCT in attendance unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the NBBF alongside the board of the NBBF.

The Assembly which had the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, FIBA representative, Mr Hesham EL- Hariri and the Nigeria Olympic Committee 2nd Vice President, Barr. Francis Orbih in attendance appreciated the achievements recorded by the NBBF Board in the last 1 and half years.

The delegates highlighted Afrobasket Women’s Basketball championship triumph in Mali in 2017, the Afrobasket silver medal winning feat of the D’Tigers as well as the exploits of D’tigress at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain where the Team set an African record by reaching the Quarter Finals for the first time.

They reckoned that such achievements which also included D’Tigers qualification for the FIBA Men’s World Cup in China as well as the successful hosting of the World Cup Africa Zone Qualifiers 3rd and 4th window could not have been possible without Kida’s quality leadership.

The Assembly urged the Board not to relent in its effort to see that Basketball is well grounded in Nigeria while expressing optimism that the domestic league will soon become a thing of pride.

FIBA, through its representative, EL- Hariri praised the NBBF for putting together a successful Annual General Assembly.

The FIBA Africa Zone 5 President and member of FIBA Africa Central Board stressed that he was in Nigeria on the directive of FIBA to observe and convey FIBA’s total support which is a confirmation and approval of the Annual General Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Assembly considered the Draft NBBF Statutes, received contributions from the accredited delegates and after a thorough review unanimously approved, ratified and adopted the Statutes which is to be called: The NBBF Statutes 2019.

The Assembly also unanimously approved the 2019 NBBF program of activities as presented by the NBBF board while also approving the NBBF 2017 and 2018 Audited Financial Report.

Kida thanked all the delegates for believing in the leadership of the NBBF as it repositions Basketball in Nigeria for stability, sustainable growth and development. The NBBF President assured that the Board will not betray the confidence reposed in it.

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Basketball

Igoche Mark, Adeniyi Others Lead Stakeholders in Applauding Flyers’ Championship Feat, Set Focus on Making BAL History

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi
It was an evening of celebration, pride, and renewed optimism as Nigeria’s newest basketball sensation, Mark Town Flyers, received a special reception in Abuja on Monday in honour of their stunning emergence as 2025 NBBF Champions—a feat many never saw coming.

Speaking at the event, basketball development advocate Igoche Mark described the Flyers’ victory as “history-making,” applauding their resilience and determination in overcoming overwhelming odds.

“They have done something that has never been done before. Many didn’t expect them to come this far, but they proved everyone wrong,” he said.

“I have faith in them. By the time they get to the BAL, they will make Nigeria proud and set the best record we’ve ever had.”

Mark also restated the urgent need to revive Nigeria’s traditional league structure—one that once featured home-and-away fixtures, a full-season calendar, and clear progression to the playoffs.

“We’re not asking for the moon. We only want what we used to have. Our league once ran for months with home and away games before the Final Eight. Bringing that system back is key to growing basketball in Nigeria,” he added.

“This Story Is Special”—Mark on Flyers’ RiseReflecting further, Mark said the team’s rise is proof of Nigeria’s abundant talent and the remarkable potential of young players when provided with adequate support.

“These boys came together barely a year ago and have achieved what many established teams could not. Beating the defending champions on their home court shows true grit and promise,” he noted.

Achii: “The Journey Was Hard, But the Vision Was Clear” Owner of Mark Town Flyers, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, shared the emotional and challenging journey that transformed the team—formerly Lagos Legends—into national champions.

“It was a tedious journey. I bought the team just two and a half weeks before the league started. Getting players, funding, logistics—everything was tough. But I’m grateful to God and the players,” he said.

Achii revealed that his vision took shape last year in Kigali during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals.

“We were watching the BAL, and I said I wanted to be here. I didn’t even have a team then. But this year I got the opportunity, we fought hard, and now we are heading to BAL. It feels surreal,” he stated.

Preparing for BAL: “We’re Ready and Open to Sponsorships”

With BAL qualification secured, Achii highlighted that the next phase is preparation and strategic partnerships.

“We want to go all the way. We are open to sponsorships, collaborations—anything that can help this team. At this stage, we’re representing not just a state, but Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Mark echoed the need for collective support from the private sector, stakeholders, and institutions.

“Benue State Government is already doing its part. But we all need to contribute. With joint support, this team will go far in the BAL,” he said.

General Manager of NTA 24 Sports, Kayode Adeniyi, commended the team’s doggedness, saying their exceptional drive distinguished them throughout the season.

He reflected on the excitement and glamour basketball once enjoyed in Nigeria, lamenting how administrative crises dimmed the sport’s appeal. He appealed to all stakeholders to revive the game for the benefit of the nation.

“I am appealing to Nigerians and everyone interested in basketball to do everything within their reach to bring the Game back to life in this country,” he urged.

In his welcome address, respected basketball advocate Kingsley Aigbonoga emphasized that true, sustainable development of the sport hinges on deliberate investment in youth.A Night of Unity and Hope.

The event brought together former and current basketball players, journalists, administrators, friends, and well-wishers—both young and old—showing the deep-rooted passion many still hold for the sport.

From a last-minute team acquisition to becoming national champions in less than a year, Mark Town Flyers have rewritten Nigerian basketball history. As their preparation for the BAL intensifies, one message echoing across the hall remained clear:

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