Basketball

Nigeria Customs Crowned Kings, as 2022 Mark D Ball Men’s Championship Ends in Abuja

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2022

Nigeria Customs were on Sunday night, crowned Champions of the 2022 Mark D Ball Men’s Basketball Tournament, after inflicting a 61-55 defeat, on new Abuja franchaise Mo Heat, in the final of the Elite 8 tournament, played at the Indoor Sports Hall, located in Package B, of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

D’Tigers player, Ibe Agu who captained Customs contributed 17 points, 2 fewer than his team mate Michael Daramola, whose 19 points was matched by Mo Heat’s top scorer, Bright Akhuetie, while Owen Michael could only manage 13 points, for the Mo Heat, who literarily lost their way in the last quarter.

Going into the finalé watched by a capacity crowd and graced by eminent personalities, including a representative of the minister of youth and Sports Development, Abba Yola,a former Senator representing Kogi West Senetoral district, Dino Melaye and Directors of Sports from the FCT, Plateau, Niger and Benue.

Mo Heats were unbeaten, and favourites to take the title, having already beaten the Customs side, in the build of to the final.

The first quarter being nervous one , ended 15-15, with both teams fighting hard in the second quarter and even at the end of the 3rd quarter, it was still a tight game at 47 baskets, apiece.
Nigeria Customs started the last quarter with more zeal and purpose, pulled away, and eventually were able to hold off a late challenge mounted by Mo Heats to win the final by 6 clear points.

Victory ensured that they emulated their ladies folks, who also won the women’s tournament, played towards the end of 2021.

On the other hand, defeat for Mo Heat, was their very first and only defeat in the 32-team tournament.

Kanyinsola Odufuwa top scored with 25, while Wisdom Anyaoha had 17 dunks as Gombe Bulls won the 3rd Place game that preceded the final, by again beating Kano Pillars, 67-62 to take the bronze medal, and N1 million, as prize money.

The Bulls had also prevailed 63-57 against the Sai Masu Gida, when both sides met earlier, in the final 8; and their undoing was over relying on veteran captain, Abubakar Usman, whose 14 points and 2 assists, fell short of unsettling the Bulls from Gombe, who triumphed despite not having their Head Coach, on the bench.

The Winners, Nigeria Customs got a N2 million cheque, as Prize Money, while the losing finalist, Mo Heat took home N1.5 million.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

2 months 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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