By SUNNY CANTO

The renown, Ex-International player: Sam Oguche aka Sammy, has began another quest into helping stem the sliding tide in Nigeria’s sports by embarking on different grass-roots and elite basketball development in line with his passion and policy of the game.

At the newly built Sports fercility in Wuse Zone 5; which is called MoHeat Arena in Abuja; where a five day tournament and 3rd edition of the Bullet Energy drink 2023 basketball is ongoing, The Uk based Oguche stated that Bullet Energy drink plans to have a basketball refinery in the country with sole aim of producing basketball stars that will represent the country in international competitions. 

He stressed further that Bullet Energy drink is determined to contribute to the revival and development of sports in Nigeria. According to him, the Bullet Energy plans is to encourage Athletes through Basketball prize money Championship in Nigeria with consortium of experienced Coaches to get the game develop.

Oguche affirmed that 8 Male teams are featuring in the mouth-watering event as winner will go home with One Million while runner-up is to get Five Hundred Thousand Naira as well as other incentives like branded T-Shirts, Drinks, Face Caps etc.

He said Bullet Energy drink is into sports development because “The brand believe that sports has the ability to change lives, transform communities, shape the future of nations, reduce crime, improve behaviour, increase ethical, democratic and racial tolerance”.
 
Adding, "I'm delighted that some athletes from my camp are now playing in NBBF premier league but our aim is to give back to the society through Basketball that we played, love and passionately promote across the Nation. He mentioned famous and Super Stars like Louis Edem, John Owhe, Ejike Ugboaja amongst others for there commendable efforts in helping others to master the game.

According to FCT and Grassroot Coach, Emma Odah while speaking to newsmen, "The grassroots games was held last in year 1988, where I participated and benefited from; also, seeing Sam Oguche organizing tournaments, camps is a huge developments in Nigeria despite the administrative challenges" he told.

Odah advice, "We should be consistent and rebrand the game if we want to experience growth in the nearest future, because everyone like and watch the Sport. 

Meanwhile, FCT Hard rockers beat Bill Dogs 80-75 as Defenders fall short to 313 Warriors in 70-78 matchup, Mark Town Flyers won 79-66 against Plateau Peaks and Abuja Bats loss 77-98 to Gboko City Chiefs but actions continue by 12noon today...stay tuned!

#SamOguche 
#BulletEnergyDrink
#Nigeria 
#Africa 
#iLoveThisGame 
#basketballNeverStops

GSS APO AND GSS ZONE 3 CROWNED 2023 POWER FORWARD CHAMPIONS AS PART OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN ABUJA
 
The 10th edition of the Power Forward Finals concluded on Thursday, Sept. 21, with GSS Apo (“Apo Raptors”) winning the boys’ championship game and GSS Zone 3 (“Wuse Fever”) being crowned this year’s girls’ champions at the M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
 
On the final day of the basketball tournament, which ran from June through September, GSS Apo defeated GSS Zone 3 in the boys' division, and GSS Zone 3 beat Total Child Model School in the girls' division to claim their respective championships.  This season featured 30 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams, with the top eight girls’ teams and top 10 boys’ teams advancing to the playoffs, and the top two girls’ and boys’ playoff teams advancing to the Power Forward Finals.
 
As part of the Finals, the participants took part in a malaria jeopardy game and had the opportunity to utilise malaria testing stations set up outside the stadium. 
 
The three-day 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Power Forward program – a youth development program established in 2013 to provide life skills and public health awareness, malaria prevention workshops and basketball development programming to more than 250,000 boys and girls across 40 schools in Abuja – also featured a Jr. NBA clinic for 1,200 children ages 16 and under and an alumni summit in the presence of 2015 NBA champion Festus Ezeli and 2015 AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji.
 
“Over the past decade, our partnership with NBA Africa and PanAfricare on the Power Forward initiative has promoted youth development through sports, life skills, and public health education,” said ExxonMobil Foundation President, Alvin Abraham.  “This impactful program has benefitted more than 250,000 young Nigerians and empowered them to use the leadership skills they learned to work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.”
 
“We are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Power Forward program as we build on our long-standing commitment to positively impacting the Abuja community,” said NBA Africa Vice President and Country Head of Nigeria Gbemisola Abudu.  “The initiative utilizes the transformative power of basketball to educate young people about public health awareness while instilling critical life skills such as teamwork and leadership and we’re encouraged about the influence the program has had to date.”
 
“Power Forward in its 10th year has contributed to raising over 8,000 malaria champions and public health advocates,” said PanAfricare Nigeria Country Director Dr. Patrick Adah.  “The positive impact of the project has transformed the lives of youths in 40 schools in the Federal Capital Territory.  Through an effective and collaborative partnership, the project has metamorphosed into a model program which we look to continue to expand.”

 
- 2023 Power Forward Finals Tip Off with a Jr. NBA Clinic for 1,200 Youth –
 
- Program Impacts 250,000 Children Over a Decade of Existence -
 
ABUJA, NIGERIA, Sept. 19, 2023 – ExxonMobil, NBA Africa and PanAfricare today tipped off the 10th edition of the Power Forward Finals, which is taking place in Abuja from Sept. 19-21.  2015 NBA champion Festus Ezeli and 2015 AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji are spearheading the finals’ activities with Oyedeji tipping off the event earlier today by leading a Jr. NBA clinic for 1,200 boys and girls ages 16 and under at the MO Arena.
 
Established in 2013, the Power Forward youth development program has provided life skills and public health awareness seminars, malaria prevention workshops and basketball development programming to more than 250,000 boys and girls across 40 schools in Abuja.  This year’s program included a basketball tournament from June through September that featured 30 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams, with the top eight girls’ teams and top 10 boys’ teams participating in the playoffs and the top two girls’ and boys’ teams in the playoffs advancing to the Power Forward Finals.
 
In addition to the on-court competition, the event will feature an alumni summit ahead of the championship games at the M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium on Sept. 21 that will engage 500 former Power Forward participants on the program’s impact.
 
“Over the past decade, our partnership with NBA Africa and PanAfricare on the Power Forward initiative has promoted youth development through sports, life skills, and public health education,” said ExxonMobil Foundation President, Alvin Abraham.  “This impactful program has benefitted more than 250,000 young Nigerians and empowered them to use the leadership skills they learned to work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.”
 
“We are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Power Forward program as we build on our long-standing commitment to positively impacting the Abuja community,” said NBA Africa Vice President and Country Head of Nigeria Gbemisola Abudu.  “The initiative utilizes the transformative power of basketball to educate young people about public health awareness while instilling critical life skills such as teamwork and leadership and we’re encouraged about the influence the program has had to date.”
 
“Power Forward in its 10th year has contributed to raising over 8,000 malaria champions and public health advocates,” said PanAfricare Nigeria Country Director Dr. Patrick Adah.  “The positive impact of the project has transformed the lives of youths in 40 schools in the Federal Capital Territory.  Through an effective and collaborative partnership, the project has metamorphosed into a model program which we look to continue to expand.”
 
 
###
 
Contact
Tobi Akinkunmi, NBA Nigeria, takinkunmi@nba.com

By Sunny Canto

In a recent development that pave way for sixteen Nigeria Basketball Men's teams, which eliminated some in the regular season before the Finals showpiece today in Abuja.

The Kings Men, also known as Rivers Hoopers of Port-Harcourt humiliated Gombe Bulls 74-57 in the Final game, giving them the sole ticket to return to Basketball Africa League.

Exceptional Anaiye Johnson, received the overall MVP, aftermath excellent performance against Gombe Bulls opponent, as he scored 12pts, 5rebs, 6ast, 1blk while Victor Koko amass 14pts, 10rebs, 4blk as Owen recorded 10pts, 8rebs.

Shockingly, Bulls who lead after the opening quarter 22-16 but Ogoh Odaudu's men came from behind to edge with five points 36-31 at the end of second quarter then followed by strong defensive and offensive efforts to upset Coach Abdulrahman Bulls.

Despite Abubakar Yakubu game high of 18pts, Bulls couldn't withstand the third quarter heat, as a result lost out on rebounds thereby finishing 39-45; before succumbing to well determine rivals in a 57-74 encounter.

Coach Ogor Odaudu, "Kudos to our Permanent Secretary for ensuring we feature at the BAL qualifier, despite the short notice he propelled us to represent Rivers Government and we're ready to do well @BAL tourney" he assured.

In the third place match, Kano Pillars won Customs 82-64 points to settle for bronze medal spots.

Grabbing prestigious prizes and awards at the finale were Bright Akhutie of Nigeria Customs who was adjudged the tournament best rebounder, Owen Oriakhi of Rivers Hoopers scored the highest points, Abubakar Yakubu (Gombe) was the best three pointer while Kwara Falcons won the fair play award.

Hoopers duo of Anaiye Johnson & Owen Oriakhi together with Wisdom Anyaoha (Gombe), Bright Akhutie (Customs), Micheal Lordprince (Kwara Falcons) and were all selected as the championship best five in the event witnessed by the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, Daniel Amokachi, Ministry Officials, Ace Comedian and Actor: Ibu and other stakeholders.

Finally, apart from the entertainments, some lucky Three point and Free shooters where awarded cash prizes, shoes, jersey; but sports buff believe soon Basketball will return to his past glory.

This weekend was an insightful one for grassroots basketball Coaches in Warri & environs. The Coaches had the opportunity to interact with Giants of Africa Basketball Coordinator, Coach Michael Akuboh during a two days workshop in Warri, Delta State.

Coach Mike, explicitly explained the following: 
1. Coaching philosophy
2. Having the right mindset
3. Respect for numbers (time, age, traffic, grades etc)
4. Integrity
5. Team work
6. The fundamental concepts of basketball scouting
7. Shell drill et cetera.

All the participants showed enthusiasm and eagerness to put into practice all the important coaching principles they learnt during the workshop.

Special thanks to Mr Daniel Elisha (CEO Sports Equipment Market Enterprise), Coach Michael Akuboh, Emmanuel Gbowie, John Owhe, Mega 89.1 FM Warri, TitansBasket Ltd., Yomi Elufisayo and all the participants for their contributions to the success of the workshop and the growth of grassroots basketball in Warri.

Together, we can take the game of basketball to a greater height in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
​
Correspondent: Yomi Elufisayo

The Nigeria Basketball Federation  pens historical 5 year deal with Total Nigeria LTD for it's Division 1 and 2 leagues.
Present at the landmark event was the Minister of youths and sports, federation board members and federation state chairmen.
Engr. Musa Kida President of the federation in response to the media, promised to put all hands on deck to ensure the premier league also receives such progress going forward irrespective of the past hurdles faced.

One of the junior women Nigeria national team athlete, Fumnanya Ijeh took to the business of making beads.

Follow her business page:   Instagram  , Twitter.

In 2015, Fumnanya was one of the players to help get Dolphins Basketball Club their first and only championship, at the women’s league.


Currently playing for a new team (MFM Basketball), they finished second place, which qualified them for the FIBA Africa Zone 3 games.

In her career with the junior national team, Fumnanya won the MVP at the FIBA 3x3 Salamatou Maiga Bamako, Mali tournament,  in 2018.

Owing to the pandemic and nationwide lockdown, she worked and honed her skill in beads, ranging from waist, to ankles, wrists and even footwear adorned with them. 

This new skill revealed her artistic side, as picks up little pieces of stones to make them masterpieces.

“With my new found passion, I’m very much excited to receive positive feedback from clients” she said.

“So far, most of my clients are from Lagos. They love it.” She added.

“I see this business growing bigger in the next five years.
My plan is to make it global; have different branches/shops in few countries, whereby it can be easier for my clients who base in any of these countries to be able to purchase for beads of their choice” she concluded.

Elizabeth Cambage hails from the Yoruba tribe.
Since 2018, she holds the WNBA single-game scoring record of 53 points.

Still active in the game, Elizabeth bagged a couple of awards, which include:
-3x WNBL All-Star five (2010, 2011, 2018)
-WNBL Champion & MVP (2011)
-WNBA All-Rookie Team
-3x WNBA All-Star (2011, 2018, 2019)
-WNBA Peak Performer (2018)
-All-WNBA First Team
-WNBA scoring leader
-All-WNBA Second Team (2019)

Historically, the Yoruba tribe have been outstanding in the NBA, making from Kareem Abduljabbar to Hakeem Olajuwon.
​
What would you like to name her in Yoruba?

Come Tuesday (September 15th, 2020), the Nigeria Basketball Federation and Total E&P Nigeria Limited, would sign a five-year contract, to renew the sponsorship deal of the Men’s Division 1 and 2 Leagues.

Venue for the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties involved, would be the sponsor’s headquarters in Lagos at 10:00am.

Recall that the previous contract lasted two years, with a cumulative sum of sixty million Naira, (Thirty million per year), and the new contract would last for five years. 

Going by the above formula, the contract may be worth at least One Hundred and Fifty million Naira.

Nonetheless, it is a welcome development by the federation, to promote grassroots.

To further drive and promote the game of basketball among young females within Delta State & environs, former D'Tigress players (Nkechi Akashili & Magdalene Ukato) decided to collaborate with Emmanuel Gbowie, Prince John Owhe, Coach Kenny, Yomi Elufisayo and TitansBasket with the view of launching the first ever Warri Female Basketball League.

The league is scheduled to run from Saturday 5th September to the last week of October, 2020.

The preliminary matches will hold at Don Domingoes College, Warri.

Playoffs will be based on home & away while the finals will hold at NNPC Junior Staff Club Basketball Court.

This excellent initiative conceived by the organizers is highly commendable considering the need to positively engage female youths by providing them with a platform to express their passion and helping them to channel their energies appropriately.

The league will also assist the state's sports commission with ready talents for the planned National Youth Games and Sports Festival.

Note: In compliance with established health protocols, the organizers have put in place all requisite safety components & Covid-19 guidelines that will be strictly adhere to by all participants and officials throughout the duration of the league.
​
Wishing all the participating teams a competitive, friendly and splendid championship.
Catch you on the rebound!!