Basketball

Kida Promises Brighter Future For Basketball

Published

3 years ago

October 25, 2021

By Akeem Busari

As preparations for the eargely awaited elections into a new board of Nigeria Basketball Federation hots up, the present Chairman of NBBF Caretaker Committee, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has reiterated his unflinching desires to take the game to greater heights.

While speaking with journalists in Lagos, Kida stated that his love and passion for the game, and particularly, the desire to see its rapid development at the grassroots level are reasons behind his reelection bid.

” I’m seeking reelection as the president of NBBF because basketball in Nigeria is still a work in progress. I have so much believe in the potentials of the youths playing this game and their ability to rule the world,” he enthused.

” What the world have seen so far, are just glimpses and tips of the iceberg. I believe that with concerted efforts and dedication to the game, the future of basketball in Nigeria is very bright,” he said.

It would be recalled that in his four years as the president of NBBF, Musa Kida facilitated the sponsorship of the division 1 and 2 basketball league by Total Oil. He also returned the NBBF Premier League after four years in the doldrums.

Kida was credited for his immense and selfless moral and financial support that ensured D’Tigress won the Afrobasketball championship three times in a roll; 2017, 2019 and 2021.

He also supported D’Tigers to become the first African national team to defeat the USA, in a basketball game.

Through his Ahmadu Musa Kida Foundation, he funded several grassroots basketball programmes across West Africa. As well as, supporting grassroots basketball programmes in Rivers State, leading to their winning of gold medals in three National Sports Festival for both male and female.

He added conclusively, “Together, we can achieve more. Therefore, I remain committed to the development of the game in Nigeria. I want to reassure lovers of basketball of my selfless drives to secure a brighter future for the game in the country

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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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