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Emir Of Doma Hails Zenith Bank’s Sponsorship Of Women’s Basketball In Nigeria

The Emir of Doma, Andoma Doma, His Eminence Dr Aliyu Amadu has called on Nigerian Women’s Basketball League sponsor Zenith Bank to do more for the Slam Dunk game in the country.

He said this while receiving all the teams and officials participating in the second phase of the Savannah Conference of the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League play-offs in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Emir, a former basketball player, acknowledged and commended the bank and the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) for enabling the state to host the national competition and provide all players and other guests with a great stay in the community.
The teams included Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Army, Air Warriors, Amazons of Nasarawa and Plateau Rocks, their officials and all judges paid a courtesy visit to Andoma Palace and received the royal blessing.

“We salute the women who made this tournament possible. Welcome to Nasarawa State and Doma Kingdom, the only palace in Nigeria with a basketball court,” he said.

“I would especially like to thank Zenith Bank for facilitating this competition. We hope they do more for basketball so that the NBA players.” When we arrive, we can see their banner alongside other sponsors and document what they did at a basketball game in Nigeria.

“We can bring NBA teams to Nigeria; we hosted the World Cup and other sports were in Nigeria and basketball is a must.” In its place, all other sports were organized and sponsored by the Nigerian government. The same should happen with basketball. There are enough Nigerians to bring happiness to the NBA. So why can’t we bring the game here for our people? Nigeria is hosting superstars who will be a household name here,” emphasized the monarch.

“I appeal to Zenith Bank and NBBF to take action. The bank’s banner will hang everywhere and people will appreciate their support for basketball.” added the Emir.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Customs has advanced to the final round of this year’s NBBF Zenith Women’s Basketball League after a stellar performance in the recent play-offs in Savannah, which conclude this weekend in the capital Lafia of Nasarawa State in northern Nigeria.

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AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.