Basketball

Engr. Kida Applauds Nwora For His Contribution To Basketball Growth

Published

3 years ago

August 17, 2021

… Wishes him well in his endeavors

The Caretaker, Chairman of Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida has commended the former coach of Nigeria men National basketball team known as D’Tigers Alex Nwora for his immense contributions to the growth and development of basketball in the country.

He therefore, wished the season coach well in his endeavors.

Ahead the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Nwora was assigned the role of Associate Head Coach with Mike Brown as Head Coach.

Nigeria Basketball Federation President Ahmadu Musa Kida while reacting to the issue confirmed Nwora’s resignation stating that the coach had contributed immensely to the current status of the men’s national team.

“The Nigeria Basketball Federation respects the decision of Coach Nwora and understands that his primary job as Head Coach of Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York deserves his attention too.

He built an impressive programme for the national team and we are deeply indebted to him. We wish him the best of luck and hope that when he is settled, he would still give his services to Nigeria

Just yesterday Coach of Nigeria men team D’Tigers, Alex Nwora has left his role with the D’tigers of Nigeria. Nwora’s resignation coming after the Tokyo 2020 and about a week to the Afrobasket 2021 were not immediately stated.

The former coach was engaged by the Nigeria Basketball Federation in 2017 and led the Nigerian national basketball team to the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament winning a silver medal.

He also led Nigeria to through the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier making the nation the first to pick a spot in the finals in China with three matches outstanding.

At the FIBA World Cup, Nwora led Nigeria as Africa’s best team and punched a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 weeks 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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