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Stakeholders hail NBBF over Organisation of FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifiers

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The 2023 FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifiers tournament which was concluded Sunday in Lagos, would indeed, continue to evoke fond memories in the minds of every lover of the game, who witnessed the history made in Lagos, Nigeria.

The qualification tournament, which was planned to feature eight countries, eventually had six countries participating, as two countries withdrew a few hours before the tip-off. That, however, didn’t take away the keen and high-octane competitiveness of the games that were displayed throughout the tournament, played August 14-20, 2023, at the highbrow Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Lagos.

Not a few fans, officials and stakeholders of the fastly growing game have been waxing lyrically about the games and particularly, the organisation of the tournament.

For the record, the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) have set an enviable benchmark for the organisation of a basketball event. As it took the tournament to an unconventional centre, away from the usual popular venues.

Staging a continental tournament at the high-brow Eko Hotels Convention Centre, expectedly, drew scepticism and disbelief. However, the ingenuity and administrative acumen of the NBBF, came to the fore, as it completely transformed the place into a secure, world-class and beautiful basketball arena.

Notwithstanding the early ouster of the Nigerian team, D’Tigers from the tournament, fans and enthusiasts took to the games and particularly, the beautiful ambience of the venue, like fish to water, as they sang, danced and cheered the teams throughout the tournament.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Cameroun Basketball Association, Sam Nduku, while congratulating all the teams that took part in the competition, expressed his satisfaction on the near-flawless of the tournament.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the Nigeria Basketball Federation for taking up the challenge to host this tournament, at short notice. I must also commend all the countries that participated in this qualifier. Importantly, too, I give kudos to NBBF, for organising a world-class tournament, ” Nduku remarked.

For Ousmane Drame, a player of the Guinea team, that lost out in the semi-finals of the tournament, the organisation was top-notch, but it could get better.

“Frankly speaking, I’d say, it was a well-organised tournament. But it can get better, considering the fact that teams had to play back-to-back games, without enough rest. However, in view of the challenges of staging such a tournament, the organisers must be commended for putting in their best, he noted.

That fan favourites, Senegal lost to Cameroun in the final game, was not enough to dampen the morale and enthusiasm of former Senegalese basketball player, Madicke Sene.

According to Sene, who is the Chairman of the Senegalese community in Lagos, the organisation of the tournament was very good. And a big plus for the game in Nigeria and Africa.

“I’m a former basketball player before I relocated to Lagos, several years ago. I want to say a big thank you and congratulations to the Nigeria Basketball Federation for this wonderful organisation.

“I’ve never seen basketball played in such an environment. It’s totally a new and satisfying experience for everyone. Imagine, the players and officials just strolling to the basketball court from their hotel rooms. This is great,” Sene added.

Cameroon emerged as the best team at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria after they defeated Senegal 80-74 in the final on Sunday. With this result, Cameroon picked the sole ticket to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament beating reigning Afrobasket champions Tunisia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: Rangers In Ijebu Ode To Humble Sunshine At Home Ground 

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Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C are already in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state flly set to maintain the fine form that has seen the team win three matches out of four played since its ouster from the money-spinning, CAF Champions league as they engage Sunshine Stars F.C of Akure at their adopted ground.

Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, would be hosting this match day 6, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture which will be the twentieth time that both sides would be clashing in the top flight with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ enjoying an edge with eight victories as against four for the ‘Owena Whales’ with seven encounters ending in draws in the first nineteen matches.

Still basking in the win over Abia Warriors in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at the weekend in Enugu, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu led side will be hoping to push for a good result against the coach Kennedy Boboye’ wards who are very strong at their adopted home ground with Chinedu Nwosu, Seth Mayi and others firing from all cylinders for the Akure side.

With the expected presence of reliable midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye, Isaac Saviour and Ugwueze Chinemerem in the middle of the pack to service the attacking line, the visitors are in for a real deal as they target to improve on their 4th position on the log while the home side will be looking to catch up with the early pace setters.

Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere at the Dipo Dina Int’L Stadium, even as Rangers’ latest attacking sensation, Silas Nenrot said, “I am really glad to be in Rangers. A very big club with high prospects. I want to be part of history by making a big contribution towards retaining the trophy won last season and this starts with this weekend’s game in Ijebu-Ode. Sure, the league is a marathon but we have our eyes on getting the maximum points because we have being working so hard and I believe that with the help of my team mates, we can achieve our goal.”

In the run-up to this weekend’s fixture, Rangers have scored in four consecutive league matches while keeping three clean sheets but their opponent, who have won two league matches out of the five they have played, losing two and ending the other in a draw, the visitors will want to continue in their new found form and make their push for a successful title defense, realisable.

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First-ever Corporate Stars League Kicks Off Oct 19

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Anticipation is high as the inaugural edition of the Corporate Stars League launches in Abuja, featuring eight teams. The event is set to begin on October 19, 2024, with draws held on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Olumide Aturu, Managing Director of 5Star Consultancy Limited, emphasized the importance of the Corporate Stars League:

“We noticed a gap in the corporate space, and we believe the Corporate Stars League will bring professionals together to relive memories, network, and foster camaraderie.”

Mouktar Ahmed from the National Pension Commission (NPC) shared his enthusiasm, stating the league provides a fun and networking opportunity, adding that sports are integral to NPC’s ecosystem. “When the chance to participate came up, management was fully on board.”

Williams Agbara from MTN expressed their eagerness to participate, stating they aim to showcase their skills and compete for the top spot. Similarly, Labadan Yunusa from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority highlighted how the league fosters connections across sectors, creating relationships that would otherwise be difficult to form.

The event also served as a platform to raise awareness on mental health. Jakpo Ukueku educated attendees on how sports offer an avenue to connect, share, and improve mental well-being.

The league will run from October 19 to November 30, concluding with a gala night, and is expected to open new opportunities for the participating organizations.

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Jigawa Governor Approves New Appointments At Jagawa Golden Stars 

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Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, has approved the appointment of Muhammad Barde Zakar as Technical Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State Malam Bala Ibrahim.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointments of new Management crew for Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club.

“The appointment is coming as part of His Excellency’s commitments to ensure continued success and growth of the Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club” The SSG said.

The SSG listed the composition of the newly appointed Management crew are as follows:

1. Gambo Umar Labbo – Chairman

2. Engineer Idris Zangi – Vice Chairman

3. Abdulmajid Auwal Ali – Team Manager

4. Baba Garba – Asst. Team Manager

5. Hauwa Garba – Welfare

6. Ado Mato Gwaram – Coach

7. Sabo Abdullahi – FA Representative

8. Ibrahim Isyaku – PRO

9. Dodo Isah – Member

10. Jafaru M. Shu’aibu – Member

11. Abdulkadir Kalla – Member

12. Ali M. Ibrahim – Club Secretary

“Furthermore, as part of his efforts to improve the home-based players confidence in the State, the Governor has also approved the establishment and appointments of the Management crew for Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) which will serve as feeder team for Jigawa Golden Stars main team with purely Jigawa State indigenes” the statement said.

Malam Bala Ibrahim said, those appointed as pioneer Management crew of the newly established Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) are as follows:

1. Ibrahim Auwal Kwiachiri – Chairman

2. Babangida M. Shalla – Team Manager

3. Hassan Magaji – Welfare

4. Nura Arma Maigatari – Coach

5. Muhammad Ado – Asst. Coach

6. Suleiman Isyaku – PRO

7. Sabo Saleh Gantsa – Member

8. Ibrahim Jibrin – Secretary

The statement further explained that, the new Management Crews have been carefully selected based on merit, competence and experience.

“While congratulating the appointees it is hoped that, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of the Clubs” the SSG said.

He disclosed that, the rationale behind the formation of the new Management crew is poised to implement initiatives that will enhance the Golden Star’s performance, attract private sponsorships and increase community involvement in Sports development statewide as well as to provide stability, continuity, crucial for long term success and resilience in line with Governor Malam Umar Namadi vision.

The SSG stated that, the Management Crews are expected to collaborate closely with the State Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture and other stakeholders in the Sports industry to promote the Clubs.

All the appointments take immediate effect.

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