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NBBF Premier Basketball League: Kwara Falcons, Lagos Legends, Police Batons Claim Victories

The defending Champions of the NBBF Premier Basketball League, Kwara Falcons hopes of reaching the Final 8 of the 2023 season from a very tight and competitive Atlantic Conference play-off from the Ibadan Centre received a massive boast on Monday as they secured a precious win over Hoops and Reads 75-73.

The win is the second for the Falcons who are aiming to return to the continent again after their first experience in 2022 that did not yield the must needed result to reach the finals of BAL in Kigali, Rwanda.

In the second game decided at the Ibadan Centre of the Atlantic Conference play-off, Ondo Raiders deteated Invaders 66-44 points while Comets that lost their opener to Kwara Falcons over ran Impressions 60-35. The defeat is the second for Impressions who are not impressive at all.

Lagos Legends started their quest to reach the Final 8 with a win over Delta Force of Asaba 77-58 and Police Batons enjoyed a 53-46 points win over Lagos Raptors at the Asaba Centre.

In the Abuja Centre of the Savannah Conference play-off, Kano Pillars secured a 21 points margin victory over Niger Potters. 76-55 it ended in favour of Pillars. Nile University escaped with a slim 72-69 points win over Kada Stars in the keenly contested second game of the day while Customs see off Bauchi Nets 75-60.

There were wins for Plateau Peaks, Gboko City Chiefs and Defenders at the Lafia City Hall, Shedam venue of the second Savannah Conference play-off Centre. Peaks edged out Correctional 64-63, City Chiefs over powered Gombe Bulls 84-61 and Defenders beat Benue Braves 75-68 to close Match Day 1 of the Savannah Conference.

11 games are on the cart in the Atlantic and Savannah Conference. Rivers Hoopers that narrowly missed the top prize last year begins their campaign today (Tuesday) against Police Batons in Asaba while Raptors will be hoping for their first win when they step on the court against high riding Lagos Legends.

At the Ibadan Centre of the Atlantic Conference play-off, it’s fight to finish between Oluyole Warriors and Comets. But teams have recorded one win each. Hoops and Reads will file out against Invaders in the second game of Match Day 3 while Falcons and Ondo Raiders will wrap up the action in that Centre.

Nile University and Niger Potters will open the proceding in Abuja while Customs file out against Kada Stars and Kano Pillars will be seeking their second win when they face Bauchi Nets. Nets lost their opener 75-60 to the Excise Boys, Customs.

Other games scheduled for Tuesday in the Lafia Centre are:

Benue Braves vs Gombe Bulls
Gboko City Chiefs vs Correctional
Defenders vs Plateau Peaks.

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Super Falcons Defender Chidimma Ogbuchi Signs 2 years Management Deal With TopPro

Super Falcons and Robo Queens defender Chidimma Ogbuchi has signed a 2-year deal with TopPro Sports Management Company.

While speaking during the sign-on event, the Chief Executive Officer of TopPro Management Company, Ms. Ojuolape Kosoko, welcome the hard-tackling defender to the stable of TopPro, who are renowned for their astuteness, professionalism and reputable global football networks, that has seen several players on his stable including Super Falcons Striker Folashade Ijamilusi, earning lucrative football deals across the globe.

Kosoko, in her address to Chidimma Ogbuchi and her team of minders led by Coach Emmanuel Osahon, advised the player to remain focused, disciplined and of course, passionate about the game, while adding that her company would give the player all the necessary supports for further growth and development.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Zubairu bravely accepts the challenge of North Africans, South Africa

head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu

 

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May.

The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

 

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

 

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles up against Egypt, South Africa and Morocco

 

Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26th April – 18th May.

 

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

 

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

 

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

 

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

 

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.  

 

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

 

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

 

 

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

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