Sports
D’Tigress Departs For Afrobasket Tourney
The Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigress, departs the country today for Bamako, Mali aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight for the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.
The team will be seeking to win the title it had won in 2003 and 2005. Nigeria were second runner-up in 1997 and 2015.
According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) spokesman, Chimezie Asiegbu, who made the disclosure in Lagos, the delegation would be led by the Vice-President of NBBF, Babatunde Oguande.
“He will head the 12 registered players, three members of the technical crew, led by Sam Vincent and four other backroom staff.
“The playing staff made up of 14 players will be led by Captain Aisha Mohammed (University of Virginia) and third overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.
“Also, Evelyn Akhator (Dallas Wings) who stormed the team’s camp on Monday evening, Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain) are part of the team.
Others are: Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain), Chioma Udeaja, Nkechi Akashili and Upe Atosu (all of First Bank Basketball club),’’ Asiegbu said in a statement.
The statement added that “the 12-man list was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the one week camping.
“They include: Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Isreal).
“The Technical crew will consist of two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun, while Mfon Udoka is the General Manager.
“Amachree Mactaben (Player Development Manager) will form part of the delegation for this year’s apex women’s basketball tournament in Africa.
North West zonal representative on the board, Suraju Yusuff, Larai Garba (Team Doctor) and Bakare Umulkuthum (Physio) as well as Oni Afolabi (Media Officer) will complete the Nigerian team that will be gunning for their third Afrobasket trophy,’’ it said.
The statement said in line with the NBBF’s long term plan, Adaeze Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth University)and Elawure Tina Odion (First Bank), identified as future prospects had been added to the 12 man list.
“They are to continue their developmental programme with the national team.
“The team will start its campaign against Mozambique on Saturday.
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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