Sports
Zenith, NBBF Sign N90m Sponsorship Deal
Female football players in action during an international encounter recently.
The Nigerian Basketball
Federation (NBBF) has signed a three-year deal worth N90 million with Zenith Bank to sponsor the female national league for three years.
This agreement is to herald the 2013/2014 basketball season which begins in Abuja from March 21 and 25.
The annual partnership was worth N20 million in the 2012/2013, while the new deal would be subjected to a yearly review.
Speaking on the occasion, the NBBF President, Tijani Umar, lauded the bank for efforts commitment to the sponsorship of the league for another three years.
“We are happy about this development; it is a good sign for our basketball, most importantly, the league which produces our female players.
“It used to be a yearly deal, but we are happy to have a three-year partnership with our sponsors, Zenith Bank.
“It is their 10th year of being with us, it is also a clear indication that they want to do more for our league,’’ Umar said.
In his speech, Mr Godwin Emefiele, bank’s the Managing Director, promised the organisation’s commitment to continue to partner with the federation.
Emefiele, who was represented by Mr Marcel Okeke, said the decision to increase the sponsorship fees was based on the effective management of league.
“The bank is happy with the federation and how the league is being run.
“The new deal will be reviewed upwards yearly so that the NBBF will receive more money, that is, N25 million, N30 million and N35 million respectively in the next three years.
“We are aware of many other corporate organisations’ interest in sponsoring the league, hence we are on our guards to do our duty to be the sponsors of the league,’’ he said.
The league comprises 16 teams with the first set of matches being played in Abuja while the second phase will hold in Kwara.
The best eight teams will qualify for the final playoffs scheduled for Lagos for the emergence of the overall winner.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, which began with the first phase in Benin City months ago, before the second phase in Lagos which ends with a finale that the Executive Chairman of Ardova PLC, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami, ably represented by the Deputy Managing Director, Ardova PLC, Mrs Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, described as delightful to watch in her speech.
For Safety Shooters, it was a historic moment as they clinched the men’s title for the first time since 2020, completing a dominant campaign that saw them finish top of the table with 57 points from 20 matches while Safety Babes also etched their name deeper into Nigerian handball history, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive women’s championship, reaffirming their status as the league’s most dominant team, not just in the women’s category but in the history of handball premier league in Nigeria.
In the Men’s Safety Shooters finished the season in style, beating COAS Shooters 43–32 (20–10) to cap off a dominant outing in Phase 2.
Their final-day victory ensured they remained clear at the summit with an impressive 18 wins, one draw, and one loss, totaling a superb goal difference of +214 after scoring 638 goals and conceding 424.
The organisers of the Ikoyi Club Tennis Masters Tournament have earmarked N4 million as the prize money for this year’s edition.
?The Chairman of the tennis section of Ikoyi Club, Diran Famakinwa, stated this at a briefing, highlighting the activities for the second edition of the tournament.
?The tournament, which is in collaboration with MegaMound Investment Limited, is endorsed by the Nigerian Tennis Federation.
?According to Famakinwa, the male and female champions will receive N500,000 each, while the runners-up in both categories will go home with the sum of N350,000 each, with the remaining money to be shared among the semi-finalists and other participants.
?Sixteen players, which includes the eight top ?male and eight top female players, will feature in the one-week event, which started on December 5, and run till Saturday, December 13.
?The female final will be held on Friday, December 12, while the male final will take up on Saturday, December 13.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NSC described the defender as “Captain Fantastic” and praised his decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, highlighting a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty.
“After a decade of distinguished service to Nigeria, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy defined by professionalism, consistency, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to national duty,” the NSC stated.
The commission noted that, as one of the most capped defenders in Super Eagles history with 83 international appearances since his debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong served as a pillar of leadership across multiple tournaments and qualification campaigns.
“His exceptional outing at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and was named Player of the Tournament, remains one of the most remarkable achievements by a defender in AFCON history,” the NSC added.
The statement further emphasised that Troost-Ekong’s “Nigeria first” mindset, discipline and exemplary conduct set a standard for the next generation of athletes, with his influence within the national team extending beyond the pitch to inspire unity, resilience and professionalism among his teammates.
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong has dismissed rumours that he was forced to retire by the country’s football administrators as punishment for leading a revolt against the NFF.
The 32-year-old’s announcement came less than a month before the AFCON, and he was named in the 54-man preliminary list. His decision sparked speculation, particularly as he had led a strike in protest against unpaid bonuses during the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
One fan speculated on social media, suggesting that Troost-Ekong was pressured to quit after exposing the NFF. The Al Khoolood defender offered a sharp retort, establishing that he unilaterally made the decision to retire.
“Not true! My own choice/decision and on my own terms. No one ever asked/tried to force me out. If anything, the opposite when I shared my decision. I wish the team all the best and support them together with all Nigerians for the upcoming AFCON to go all the way,” he wrote on X.
The NSC concluded by wishing Troost-Ekong the very best in the next chapter of his career and commending him for representing Nigeria with honour.
-
Politics4 days agoWhy Reno Omokri Should Be Dropped From Ambassadorial List – Arabambi
-
Politics4 days agoPDP Vows Legal Action Against Rivers Lawmakers Over Defection
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria, Egypt friendly Hold Dec 16
-
Sports3 days agoNSC hails S’Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNCDMB Unveils $100m Equity Investment Scheme, Says Nigerian Content Hits 61% In 2025 ………As Board Plans Technology Challenge, Research and Development Fair In 2026
-
Politics4 days agoRIVERS PEOPLE REACT AS 17 PDP STATE LAWMAKERS MOVE TO APC
-
Politics4 days agoWithdraw Ambassadorial List, It Lacks Federal Character, Ndume Tells Tinubu
-
Sports3 days agoMakinde becomes Nigeria’s youngest Karate black belt