Sports

NCF President Uyi Pays Working Visit To Abuja Office

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2021

Joel Ajayi

As the year 2021 gradually comes to an end, the Federation is taking stock of activities conducted and also preparing for the 2022 Cricket calendar.

Exciting times ahead suggest that early preparations will be the catalyst to drive the success plans especially when the Board convenes in late December to have her first strategic session and Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Abuja.

During the week President of the Federation Mr. Uyi Akpata visited the Nigeria Cricket Federation head office in Abuja on a day working visit.

His first stop was at the Secretariat where he met with staff and also inspected the office environment. The next stop was a visit to some members of the national team undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Sports ,NIS, clinic in Abuja. Meeting with the President, the players expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention by the Federation intending to meet their medical needs, citing that treatment was going on according to plans.

The President’s final stop was the Cricket Oval where he conducted routine inspections of the two turf pitches under construction and the level of readiness. After a tour around both facilities and interaction with the ground staff, Mr. Uyi Akpata expressed satisfaction at the job done thus far and the condition of the pitches, especially the playing surface and the outfield. ‘’ I am very pleased with the conditions of the pitches here in Abuja, a lot of work has gone into this in the last two years and some work still needs to be done especially with the sitting areas and pavilion but overall, we are almost ready and plans are in place to make this a complete functional facility ahead of activities in 2022”, he said.

Changes in structures and approach to the new outlook on the workforce of the Federation continues as the President is looking to prime everyone ahead of what can be described as a very exciting and events-packed 2020 cricket season in Nigeria.

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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 mins 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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