Sports
We Will Bring Policies To Develop Basketball – NBBF President
Newly-elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Mr Musa Kida, at the weekend said he would stir the ship of leadership with good policies to develop the game.
Kida emerged the president of the federation following the National sports Federation election held on June 13 in Abuja.
Kida, in Lagos to familiarise himself with the Lagos office, told newsmen that the new board was keen on moving the federation forward for the good of the game.
He said at the federation’s board meeting, grey areas were looked into and focus was on reviving grassroots basketball under his leadership.
“We have just finished a very important meeting with our board members, it is our first and a lot of grey areas have been brought up. Definitely, work will begin immediately.
“We are looking at reviving our grassroots basketball which is the major area of our focus because of the future of our players and the development of the game.
“We will meet with the sponsors of the women and men league and familiarise with them, most especially to assess the contracts and possibly how to improve them.
“We want successful results and for this, we have to create that amiable environment for the game to thrive most especially welcoming private participation.
“The future of our players representing us at the international scene is also of great importance to us and most especially developing the local league players to international standard.
“We assure Nigerians that our tenure is for the good and development of the game where good leadership is key to the success story,’’’ he said.
On the issue of a splinter group claiming rights to the leadership of the NBBF, Kida said that they (other group) had no basis for their position.
“There was a free and fair election that brought us to power which had the recognition of the Nigeria Olympic committee and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
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.
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