Basketball

MFM underestimated us and they paid for it’ ASPAC Coach Says

Published

2 years ago

December 3, 2023

…. We will bounce back – MFM Coach

ASPAC coach, Adognon Landrey, stated that his team capitalized on MFM’s complacency to secure a significant victory in their initial match at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women Qualifiers held in Abuja.

Emphasizing that they remained focused despite the crowd, the coach acknowledged the caliber of their opponent and highlighted that being underrated worked in favor of his team.

“We didn’t let the crowd distract us. As a continental team, we’re back on our home turf. In sports, it’s not over until it’s over, and that resilience was our strength in the game. Despite being underrated, we’re making our mark.”

Team captain Somakou Marlene stated, “We thoroughly studied MFM, identified their weaknesses, and plan to capitalize on them. We weren’t intimidated and adhered to our coach’s instructions.”

In contrast, MFM coach Okworogwu Ochuko admitted during the post-match conference that her team allowed ASPAC to regain momentum by not defending well in the last two quarters as they did in the first two. Despite the defeat, she expressed optimism about her team bouncing back in the next game.

“In the first half, our strategies were effective. However, in the second half, we deviated from what was working for us initially. The players recognized this issue, and our opponents capitalized on it, particularly in defense.

Defensively, we overloaded one side, resulting in vulnerabilities in our backline. Our opponents seized this opportunity. Now that we’ve identified these mistakes, we’re committed to correcting them in our upcoming match. The defeat, though disappointing, is not the end as none of the three teams have secured qualification yet. We’re all competing for the two available slots. It’s an open competition, and I believe we can still turn it around.”

Team captain Okoh Ukamaka echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing that “it’s not over until it’s over.”

“As my coach mentioned, we abandoned the strategy that was effective for us, and defensively, there were shortcomings. Our communication faltered, unlike in the first half, leading to our downfall in the second half. However, we are determined to come back, better and stronger.”

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Basketball

Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja

Published

21 hours ago

June 7, 2025

The Gleamer

The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.

The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.

However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”

Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.

Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

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