Basketball

Rising Stars U13 Basketball: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo Pick Wins On Day 2

Published

4 years ago

January 25, 2022

By Niyi Busari

Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun have recorded wins in the ongoing Rising Stars U13 Boys and Girls Basketball Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

The grassroots championship which started on Sunday, January 23, 2022 saw five teams registered in the U13 Girls while six are competing in the Boys category.

In the first game of the Girls category on Match-day 1, Hoops and Read defeated Ekiti U13 Girls (21-8) while Lagos got better of Ogun State U13 Girls (23-17). In the third match, Oyo handed second defeat to Ekiti (36-6). In the Boys category, Ogun outscored Ekiti (29-17) while Hoops and Read mauled Lagos (40-14) before Osun recorded (24-18) victory over Ekiti State U13 Boys team.

On match-day 2, Lagos U13 Girls beat Hoop and Read (26-12). Oyo state U13 Girls overcame Ogun threats after (21-10) victory. In the third game, Lagos humiliated the whipping girls, Ekiti (23-5). In the Boys category, Osun upset Lagos with a five-point gap win (23-18) as Ogun outscored Oyo (29-21) before Ekiti succumbed to the firepower of Hoop and Read (34-30).

The weeklong event will see Oyo U13 Girls trade tackles with Read and Hoop on Tuesday match-day 3 at 11:00am as Oyo slug it out with Lagos U13 Boys at 12 noon. Ekiti will look forward to redeem their battered image when they face Ogun girls at 1pm after which Osun and Ogun in the boys category fight for superiority at 2pm. Other match-day 3 Fixtures are as follows; Oyo Vs Hoop and Read at 3pm. Ekiti vs Lagos 4pm.

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

7 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.

The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”

Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.

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