Basketball

WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2024

Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.

“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”

The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.

“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.

The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.

In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

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Basketball

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

Published

5 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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