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Mark ‘D’ Basketball Tournament Will Be Back Soon-Mark
Joel Ajayi
The initiator and founder of Mark ‘D’ Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark, has assured that the much-anticipated tournament is set to return in Abuja soon with a bang.
Mark said this during the 2023 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational tournament’s final at the Mo Arena in Abuja on Friday said that the championship Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship, which had helped to resurrect the moribund domestic basketball in the country, took a short break due to some circumstances beyond the control of the organizers.
He promised that the next edition of the basketball tournament would be the best ever, adding that plans were ongoing to ensure that it surpassed the previous tournaments.
The plans, he said, included improving the quality of the tournament, the venue, and welfare of players, coaches, and officials, the number of participating teams as well and the competition’s prize money.
“Let me use this medium to inform all stakeholders that the next edition of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship will become a reference point in Africa.
“We are currently working on using a new basketball arena for the championship, which was one of the reasons for the break.
“But by the grace of God, we are excited that we have one now as the Mo Arena just opened.
“So, we are in discussion with the owner as we intend to use this magnificent facility for our next tournament,” he said.
He restated his commitment towards the growth and development of grassroots basketball in the country.
He stressed that his love for the game was undying, adding that he would continue to support the discovery and development of young talents across the country.
“The Mark ‘D’ Ball brand and its affiliations have contributed so much to the game of basketball in the country and will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of basketball at the grassroots.
“Our little impact in the game of basketball last year was as a result of a partnership with stakeholders; players, coaches among others, and we will continue to contribute our own little quota,” he said.
Mark also commended Oguche for his consistent contribution towards the development of basketball at the grassroots.
He said the zest and commitment that the former Nigeria basketball international has shown towards giving back through basketball was a virtue others must emulate.
“This is very impressive. I think this is about his second or third tournament this year and they have been improving each time.
“I am also excited about the discovery and development of the young talents in the competition over the years.
“We need more of such tournaments right now so that the players can come out and showcase their talents and that will also help them improve their game.”
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Riyadh 2025: Nigeria’s Boxing Contingent Departs for Saudi Arabia
Joel Ajayi
Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent has officially departs the shores of the country for Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, taking place from November 7 to 21, 2025.
The team forms a vital part of Nigeria’s contingent at the multi-sport event, which gathers athletes from across over 55 nations globally. Nigeria’s participation reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global sporting profile and using sport as a tool for unity, national pride, and youth development.
Chief de Mission, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Riyadh Games as a “crucial aspect of Nigeria’s strategic sports development plan,” emphasizing that the event serves as both a test of preparation and a pathway toward greater international success, including at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the necessary support to excel on global platforms.
“This is more than just another international competition; it is a vital stepping-stone for our athletes toward Olympian ambitions,” Hon. Bukola Olopade said ahead of the team’s departure.
“Our team is prepared, focused, and hungry for success. We carry the hopes of the nation with us to Riyadh,” Hon. Olopade added.
Nigeria has maintained a strong presence at the Games since the inaugural edition in 2005. Over the years, the country’s athletes have recorded success across various sporting categories.
The contingent is led by experienced coaches and supported by technical staff dedicated to achieving peak performance levels.
As the competition gets set to begin in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the Nigerian contingent to deliver a performance that reinforces the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.
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