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NBBF assures sponsors of maximum mileage

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NBBF assures sponsors of maximum mileage

…meets Andre Ighoudala

In the light of the continued successes of its National Teams on the international scene, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has assured prospective sponsors of media mileage and global business exposure.

The federation, through its Vice President, Babatunde Ogunade said this on Friday during a meeting with Afro-American basketball superstar, Andre Ighoudala who is on an official trip to Nigeria.

According to Ogunade, the Nigeria Basketball Federation is leaving no stone unturned in boosting its financial capacity as  relying on government as its sole financier is not sustainable in the long term.

Ogunade who in the company of fellow board members, Felix Awogu and Oni Afolabi said it was high time  sponsors identified basketball as one of the key federations capable of positively exposing their brands to the global market.

“Since we took over in 2017, we have continued to enjoy unimaginable successes on the global stage. D’Tigress have won two Afrobasket titles, gotten to the quarter final of the World Cup while the men won silver medal at the 2017 Afrobasket, first country in the world to qualify for the World Cup as well as finishing as the best African team at the just concluded World Cup to pick the 2020 Olympics ticket.”

“The 3×3 teams have conquered Africa, been to the World Cup and are a strong force to reckon with. Today, I can boldly say basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in Nigeria.”

Sequel to the new found status of basketball on the global stage, the NBBF believes private investors have a lot to gain in terms of media exposure if they partner with the federation.

“All eyes are on our national teams while the global media buzz around the teams have continued to increase. Investors, partners and sponsors have a lot to gain.”

“We have so many grassroots programs, Men’s Divisions one and two, the Zenith Women League and the Men’s Premier League that are in need of attention.”, Ogunade said.

In his response, Ighoudala who has won three NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors as well as the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the  2012 Summer Olympics titles with USA praised the performance of the D’Tigers at the World Cup.

“Congratulations on the qualification for the Olympics. I monitored the performance of the team in China and I was impressed by this amazing team. I also heard about the women’s team which also won the 2019 title. These achievements are commendable.”

Currently on the books of Memphis Grizzlies, the Silicon Valley investor and Jumia Nigeria,  Ighoudala assured the federation that he will look at possible ways to partner the federation in growing basketball in Nigeria.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

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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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