Basketball

Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship: Mo’ Heat edge Gombe Bulls

Published

4 years ago

February 8, 2022

Mo’ Heat Basketball Club on Monday edged Gombe Bulls 73-70 to make it two straight wins in a row at the ongoing Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship in Abuja.

The three-month long championship which began on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium is expected to end in April.

Mo’ Heat had earlier defeated Hot Coal 74 – 55 in their opening game.

Mohammed Shehu, the Proprietor of Mo’ Heat Basketball Club told Journalists that it was a very tough but sweet victory, adding that his goal was to develop the game at the grassroots.

“I had a feeling that we were going to win the game. It’s very interesting and it shows that all the hardwork we have put into the game is beginning to pay off.

“Our basic target is to develop the game at the grassroots in the country.

“We are in the business of searching for young talents and developing them to become the stars of tomorrow and that’s what we’ve been doing all this while,” he said.

Shehu added that the team’s next target was to ensure participation in the Nigeria Basketball Premier League, adding that the league was the real test for the players.

“Our dream is to join the Nigeria Basketball Premier League as soon as the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) crisis is resolved so as to improve the skills of these developed talents through the league.

“The Mark ‘D’ Ball Men’s Basketball Championship in itself is a private and a very good initiative by the new NBBF President, Mark Igoche.

“However, there is a need for these players to participate in the real and highest ranked league in the country, which is the Nigeria Basketball Premier League.

“This is where the players can really be tested so as to ascertain their level of fitness and compatibility as well as the quality of our investment,” he said.

The Mo’ Heat boss decried the poor state of basketball in the last four years in the country, especially on the domestic scene.

He however said he was confident that the league would be resuscitatated as soon as possible with the emergence of Igoche as the new NBBF President.

“We have a new president now and I know him very well.

“He is going to swing into action and ensure that the league is resuscitatated.”

Results of other matches played on Monday at the championship show Apa Flames losing 65-93 to Hot Coal Ballers.

Safety Knights beat Ahip Giants 81-74 and Nile University Spartans defeated Police Baton 68-64.

Tuesday’s games will see Ahip Giants take on Police Baton, while Mo’ Heat face Safety Knights.

Hot Coal Ballers will battle against Gombe Bulls, while Nile University Spartans lock horns with Apa Flames.

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Basketball

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

Published

3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

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 14^th to 15^th 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.

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