Sports
FIBA Africa Nations Cup Teams Begin Camping In Abuja
The senior men and women’s 3×3 basketball teams, as well as the under-18 boys and girls teams, have began camping in Abuja, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) said on Monday.
Afolabi Oni, the federation’s spokesman, disclosed in a statement that the 3×3 teams’ camping was in preparation for the 2019 3×3 FIBA Africa Nations Cup.
Tidesports source reports that the Nations Cup is billed for Kampala in Uganda from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11.
“The Kano Pillars duo of Okoh Lucky Subel and Godwin David were invited to camp alongside Abuchi Ibe Agu and Anyaoha Wisdom of Gombe Bulls.
“Also, Koko Victor Antony (Rivers Hoopers) and Ndibe Emmanuel complete the list of invited players for the camping which opened on Sunday.
“The team is camping to prepare with the hope of improving on the bronze medal it won at the 2018 edition of the competition,’’ Oni said.
The spokesman also said First Bank’s Okoro Ifunanya, following a solid performance at the African Games in Morocco, earned another call-up.
“She had been invited to camp alongside national teammates Kelani Sumbo (First Bank) and Umeh Gloria (Plateau Rocks).
“Agbotan Success (Delta Force), Okah Chinwe Hope (Air Warrior) and Theresa Mac-Dangosu (Abuja) complete the list of players invited for the women’s team,’’ he said.
Oni also listed players invited to the under-18 boys team to include Oyebanji Mustapha (Kwara Falcons), Odufuwa Kanyinsola (Hoops and Read) and David Adetutu (Abuja City Chiefs).
“The rest are Emmanuel James (Abuja City Chiefs), Godwin Peace (unattached), Samaila Antibas (unattached), Michael Ayodele (unattached), Oyedokun Olamilekan (UNILAG) and Akomolafe Oyekanmi (UNILAG).’’
The NBBF spokesman further stated that the under-18 girls invited to camp include Onuorah Chika (First DeepWater), Agba Agatha (Benue Princess) and Joseph Godgift (MFM).
“Others are Ezebilo Grace (MFM), Gbihi Cynthia (Dolphins) and Okeke Chidinma (Dolphins), and they were all invited after a strong showing at the recently-concluded second phase of the Zenith Women Basketball League.
“Also, those called up include Linda Adejoh (Blackgold Queens), Omaga Olivia (Air Warriors), Ubi Majomary (Dolphins) and Nwachukwu Ifunanya (First Bank) to complete the list of 10 players invited to the under-18 girls camp.’’ Oni disclosed that Acha Chris, Christopher Okoh, Juliana Akhere and Nnorom Mark will be in charge of the teams, while Simon Evbuoman has been picked as the accompanying referee.
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.