Connect with us

Basketball

Lagos, Osun Record Wins In Day 1 of Rising Stars U17 Girls Basketball Championship

Published

on

Osun, Lagos and Ogun started the inaugural Southwest Rising Stars U17 Girls Basketball Championship on winning notes.

Osun whitewashed Ekiti girls 45-29 in the tournament opening match before the hosts, Lagos handed a ten-point gap defeat to Oyo in the second match. Ogun however, edged Ondo 24-26 in the last match on Friday.

Meanwhile, the organiser has announced that Saturday will be a rest day while three matches will be played as action resumes on Sunday.

In the Day 2 fixtures, Oyo U17 Girls will look forward to restore hopes when they file out against Ogun as in-form Osun, the table topper are ready to consolidate on their performance when they lock horns with Ondo in the second match.

Ekiti State will look forward to bounce back from their loss when they face Lagos in the last game on Sunday.

Adetayo Awojoye, Ekiti State U17 Girls coach is not ruling out their chances of winning the title. He’s optimistic of picking maximum points against Lagos when they meet on Sunday.

“We are pained to have lost the first match but we have learnt a lot from it and that will serve as enabler to win our next matches and move on to the final.

“We are here for the trophy and we will not allow the loss to discourage us but rather use it to our advantage by winning our opponents on the road to final.”

Also speaking, the former captain of D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, founder Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation was satisfied with the performances of the players and commended Lagos State Sports Commission for their support.

“I am happy that the competition meets the expectations.” The president of Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) told journalists.

He added, “Yes, the girls put up good fights against each other. I am impressed with I saw today. That showed the level of talents Nigeria has. All they need is a platform like this for them to develop their skills, gain experience and become better in the game.

“I want to commend Lagos State Sports Commission for their support and also those who have rendered one support or the other in making this inaugural edition possible.” He concluded

Continue Reading

Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14th to 15th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle  something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria  a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success  and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)