Sports

Team Taraba Torments, as BetKing Wheelchair Basketball National Championship Closes in Grand Style

Published

2 months ago

April 7, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The 2025 BetKing 3×3 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship came to a thrilling close in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with Team Taraba and Team Lagos emerging champions in their respective categories after an electrifying series of final matches.

The atmosphere at the indoor sports hall was charged with excitement as fans witnessed a tense and intrigue-filled finale, marking the end of what has been described as one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.

In the men’s category, Team Taraba claimed the top prize after a powerful performance, while Team Oyo settled for second place. Team Delta secured third position with a strong finish.

In the women’s category, Team Taraba dominated, clinching the gold medal. Team Delta took the silver, and Team Lagos rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

In the mixed category, Team Lagos showcased impressive teamwork and skill to emerge champions. Team Taraba came in second, and Team Oyo earned third place.

President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, expressed delight at the quality of play and the emerging talent discovered at the tournament.

“This has been an incredible championship—one of the best we’ve seen in recent years,” Johnson said. “We’ve uncovered new stars who are ready to wear the national colors, and that’s the true essence of this tournament: giving athletes a platform to shine, regardless of background or physical ability. Watching the level of competition rise across different states shows that our development efforts are yielding results.”

He added, “I’m immensely grateful to the Ogun State Government for their unwavering support, to the leadership of the National Sports Commission for championing inclusive sports, and of course to BetKing, whose consistent backing has helped keep the dream alive for so many of our athletes. This is more than basketball—it’s a movement of hope, resilience, and excellence.”

The tournament featured teams from all zones across the country and highlighted the growing strength and popularity of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

4 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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