Basketball

Nigeria Customs, ASPAC Qualify For 2023 Africa Women’s Basketball League

Published

10 months ago

December 6, 2023

…Storms Cairo next week

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Customs Service NSC of Nigeria ladies and ASPAC from Benin Republic basketball teams have qualified to play in the 2023 Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) slated for 11-18 of December.

The Game played at the outstanding MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5, the Federal Capital City of Nigeria from the first of December till Wednesday 6th of December was an attestation to the development of basketball in Nigeria, as the skills were displayed to the core during the period game.

With this victory, the Customs Service team and ASPAC of Benin Republic will join others already qualified which include, CNSS Basketball Club Wildcard (Dr. Congo), and Equity Bank (Kenya).

Other qualified teams are Inter Clubs (Angola) 5 times Champions, KPA (Kenya), Overdose Up Station (Cameroun), REG (Rwanda Energy Group), Sporting of Alexandria (Egypt) Host University of Douala (Cameroun)

NSC topped the table with 6 points after winning two games, while the ASPAC of Benin Republic played two games won one and lost one to secure 3 points, and the third participant Olukoya Ladies lost the two games with no points.

At the end of the game between the champion of Nigeria Premier League and NCS, the Borders ladies defeated the Olukoya ladies by 55:49 to secure their second victory.

The first, Second, and third quarters went in Favour of MFM with 19-13, 30-29, and 39-37 respectively but Borders Ladies came back smoking in the last quarters to turn the table with 55-49.

Share on Facebook

Basketball

Federal Government Urge To Resolve Basketball Crisis

Published

1 week ago

September 8, 2024

The Gleamer

Igoche Mark, a renowned basketball promoter, has called on the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the lingering crisis in basketball, which has hindered the development of the sport in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists at the closing ceremony of a two-day basketball camp organized by the Veterans of Abuja (VOA) for kids between the ages of 4-16, Mark emphasized the need for the government to tackle the root causes of the crisis, rather than just treating the symptoms.

“The problem of basketball has been lingering, and it’s still unresolved,” Mark said. “I urge the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle the root causes, rather than adopting the cosmetic approach of past governments.”

Mark highlighted the importance of sports in addressing some of the country’s challenges, including insecurity and economic woes. “Sports can be used to tackle insecurity challenges, economic challenges, and unemployment,” he said. “I enjoin the Federal government to pay more attention to sports and settle the crisis in basketball, as this will yield positive dividends.”

The Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, founded by Mark, remains one of the biggest basketball championships in recent times, and he has maintained his unwavering support for the game. Mark expressed optimism that with the right leadership in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the sport will become an envy to many.

“The potential of basketball in Nigeria is enormous, and with the right leadership, we can achieve great things,” Mark said. “I believe that the government and the key stakeholders can work together to resolve the crisis and take basketball to the next level.”

Mark’s call to action comes at a critical time for Nigerian basketball, which has been plagued by internal conflicts and mismanagement. The government’s response to the crisis will be closely watched by stakeholders in the sports sector.

Share on Facebook