Sports
NBBF Promotes Shooters To Division One
Zamfara Shooters
basketball team of Gusau defeated Gilali of FCT 79-77 in the final of the National Men’s Basketball Division Two Championship in Abuja to book a Division One promotion ticket.
The championship, which took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium, was organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Both teams had won all their four games going into the final.
They displayed good basketball skills in a tightly contested final game, but it was Zamfara team which edged out Gilali of FCT at the end of the fourth quarter.
The stand out player for Gilali was their captain, Hassan Abubakar who made a total of 30 points for his team.
Uche Okeke was the man of the match after he scored 38 points and also made the decisive basket that sent Gilali packing.
Coach Sani Bello of Zamfara told newsmen after the match that he was happy that his team won the final match.
“I am happy that we won, though it was a difficult game. We have been winning since the beginning of this competition, but we have once again proved to be unbeatable.
“My players have been doing very well and I am finally glad that we took the trophy. We are now promoted to the division one.
He, however, advised the remaining team to work hard and always aim high.
“It was a difficult journey but I thank God we made it and I also advise other teams to continue the way they started. Surely they will get there,” he said.
Gilali’s coach Godwin Raymond was happy with his team even though they lost the final match.
“It was a tough match, in a game there is a winner and a loser, they only defeat us with just two points.
“At least I am glad we reached the final stage and we are leading division one, we have to prepare against the next tournament, do well so that we will move to division two,” he said
Okeke Uche of Zamfara Shooters was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Tijani Umar, the President, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), in his closing remarks said that the tournament was very successful; adding that he also scored it high in terms of its quality.
“The teams played very well and you could see that even the final game took us into overtime to decide a winner, which speaks volumes about the quality of the game.
“For us that is an encouragement because this is where the future of the game lies; at the grassroots,’’ he said.
In the other matches played on Friday, Solid Hits of Nasarawa defeated Pearls of Enugu 76-49 while Coal City Kings of Enugu State beat Hard Rockers of FCT 52-48 to occupy the third place.
The championships which started on October 27 came to end on Friday.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News20 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business10 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation22 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News20 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers9 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers10 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers9 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH