Sports
Stop Confusing Sports Loving Nigerians – FNS advises Segun Odegbami
..Says there are no factions in NBBF
By Lateef Adekola
Former Nigeria international footballer, Segun Odegbami, has been advised to desist from further fanning the ambers of discord and disunity in Nigerian sports, particularly, in basketball.
This warning was contained in a statement released by Friends of Nigeria Sports (FNS), a group of sport journalists, stakeholders and enthusiasts. The statement was a swift reaction to Odegbami’s opinion, albeit an indictment of the basketball world governing body FIBA as a bias body. And also disregarding the NBBF election in Benin.
” Let’s take Odegbami’s opinion carefully. He intentionally mentioned that basketball was practically dead in Nigeria, as the national team does not have a single player from the domestic league going to the Olympic. He didn’t not explain reasons behind the inability of Kida’s led NBBF to organise the domestic league for over 3 years.
“It was a fact the NBBF was stopped by a court injunction from organising the domestic league. It is sad also that Odegbami, did not tell Nigerians the unsavoury roles he played in crisis, including withdrawing players of First Bank female basketball team from the national team.
” He should stop deceiving Nigerians and misusing his media clout to push the destructive agendas of a few selfish and self-aggrandising individuals who are bent of killing the game in Nigeria. Every genuine sports lover and particularly, followers of basketball knew there was only one constitutionally organised NBBF and that it was held in Benin, Edo State.
” It is also wrong and misleading from him to continue to state that there are two factional presidents, even when it was widely reported in the media that FIBA was represented at the Benin election. The game cannot be in a quandary for the next 4 years because Engr. Musa Kida is the duly elected president of NBBF.”
The statement signed by FNS’ spokesperson, Asiwaju Akeem Busari, further stated that the basketball community are aware of Odegbami’s biased position and contributions in the induced crisis that have rocked the NBBF since 2017.
” Yes, we agree that Odegbami is entitled to his opinions, but he shouldn’t use his vantage position, especially on the government media to play the devil’s advocate. It is uncharitable and truly inimical to the development of sports in Nigeria.”
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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