Basketball

Together, let’s grow Nigeria through sports- Kida charges Nigerians in New year message

Published

3 years ago

January 1, 2022

President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has charged Nigerians home and diaspora to utilize the powers of sports to further help develop the country’s socio-economic strengths by gainfully engaging and empowering the teeming youth in sporting activities.

This was contained in his New Year goodwill message released Saturday, January 1, 2022, in Lagos. According to Kida, Nigeria is immensely gifted in all ramifications, therefore, there should be concerted efforts by all Nigerians to improve the fortunes of the country, using sports as a tool.

Kida, who is seeking reelection for another four-year term as president of NBBF, recapped the outstanding feats achieved in basketball during his outgoing tenure. It included the records as the first African country to qualify both male and female national teams for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. And also becoming the first African nation to defeat basketball world powers, USA and Argentina in games leading to the Olympic games, as well as, winning three consecutive Afrobasketball championships by D’Tigress, amongst many other remarkable feats.

Kida, who until recently, was the Deputy Managing Director, Deep Waters section of TotalEnergies, noted that the natural strength and resilience of the average Nigerian at all times, particularly, as these times of global socio-economic turbulence occasioned by Covid-19, should be commended.

He further admonished corporate and well placed Nigerians to support the government in the efforts to gainfully engage the millions of talented but restive youths in sports.

He added that the last four years of his NBBF board and its impressive strides, and of course, the newly found enviable status of basketball in Nigeria have shown that Nigeria can achieve greatness in all aspects of human endeavours.

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Basketball

Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament

Published

3 weeks 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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