Sports
NBBF Urges Players To Utilise Camping Opportunity
The Nigeria Basketball
Federation (NBBF) at the weekend in Abuja advised players in the 2015 NBBF Prospect Camp to utilise the opportunity given to them by putting in their best efforts.
NBBF President, Tijani Umar who gave the advice at the opening ceremony of the camp, said it was a privilege for the players to get such opportunity among their peers.
Umar, who was represented by a member of the federation’s board, Patrick Omorodion, said the players should exhibit a combination of patience, commitment and humility.
“It is a privilege for you to be part of this programme out of the numerous players we have across the country. So, you must use the opportunity well.
“And, to come out successful in this camp, you have to exhibit patience, commitment, and humility so that the best can be gotten from you,’’ he said.
Speaking on the essence of the camp, one of the coaches, Michael Akuboh, said they wanted to identify young players for the federation’s age-grade national teams.
“The essence of the NBBF Prospect Camp 2015 is to identify young players for our age-group national teams within the under-18 category.
“A few of them are still eligible for the under-16, but the majority we have here are for the under-18 national team.
“And the actual intention is to identify those that are very good and continue to monitor them. We will give them programmes they will take back home and work on,’’ Akuboh said.
He added that they were still running other programmes which could still help to further groom the identified players.
“We will be monitoring them from time to time because we are running other programmes other than this around the country, where we hope to invite them to as time goes on.
“We need to know how well they are progressing and we will keep a database of the players so that if the national under-18 team needs players, this pool will be picked from,’’ Akuboh said.
L-R: Ivory Coast skipper, Yaya Toure, CAFPresident, Issa Hayatou, Equatorial Guinea President and FIFA President during the trophy presentation ceremony of the 2015 AFCON last Sunday
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.
-
Business5 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business5 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business5 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers5 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business5 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports5 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports5 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Sports5 days agoBeyond Limits Intensify NPFL Return