By; Sunny Canto
Incredibly, the Nigeria Basketball Federation have begun a ‘New Journey’ towards reviving and reshaping the game, despite several loopholes, setbacks, challenges that have affected the growth of the sport within Nigeria, Africa and global stage.
The remarkable and unforgettable players hosting event held at MoArena, Wuze Zone 5, off Accra Street, FCT Abuja did witnessed notable personalities including Basketball Stakeholders; Ex-International, Coaches; Statisticians, Referee’s, Players that received encomium with tangible reward for excellence performance.
Lagos Legend Basketball team also known as Mark Town Flyers; who won the (NBBF) abridge league with historical performance, after they beat River's Hooper's 74-72 and 89-78; were given a warm reception in a memorable evening dinner with drinks; food, souvenirs including words of wisdom ahead of BAL games.
the celebration party described the victory as a well-deserved and wonderful achievement; adding we must collaborate efforts in whatever we do as ‘Giants of Africa’ to grow the sport’ he said.
Marks who lauded and commended the (NSC), Nigeria Sports Commission recent strides in the Nation sporting landscape, referencing the successful hosting of CAA (Confederation of Africa Athletics) U-15/20 and West Africa Para-Sports tournament in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital; including Super Falcons, D'Tigress (World Cup) Quarter-Final records as well as dominating WAFCON; AFROBASKET respectively in Africa scene.
The Sport promoter and enthusiast, Igoche Mark praised the NSC for steering sports development in the right direction, noting that increased activities is motivating Nigeria athletes; Coaches; Umpires and Officials much-needed platforms to grow also, excelling across the World.
According to the ‘Mark D Ball’ patron, looking ahead of the NBBF elections, he expressed confidence and hope that the Commission would ensure a transparent and credible process, stressing Nigeria Basketball requires a ‘total overhaul’ to move forward.
Mark's remarks reflect growing concerns from Basketball stakeholders, thereby calling for increased reforms and comprehensive growth particularly in governance, league structure, grassroots talent identification.
The 2026 NBBF upcoming elections by January is widely viewed as a crucial turning point for the future of Nigeria Basketball, with stakeholders and pundits emphasizing the need for re-strategizing that will produce a lasting roadmap with juicy opportunities for everyone in the sporting industry.
In conclusion, Ex-Internationals and Coaches like Scott Nnaji (Kano Pillars, Customs); Abubakar Usman aka Nda’Abu, FCT Coach Emma Odah; US based Osita Nwachukwu, Legendary Eugene Ivarse; US based Colonel Sam Ahmedu (FIBA) Zone Three President; NSCDC Coach Temitope; Ochiebi Okpe, Commodore Hamza, Alhassan Embago; Pro Makwetie, Apara Akita, Maro Puso; Abdul Yahaya, Josiah Ahmedu; Ade Mao; amongst others graced the occasion in style.
#LagosLegends
#NewBeginning
#BasketballChampions2025
