Sports
Basketball Enthusiast Tasks NBBF On 2019 Season
The Head Coach, Raptors Basketball Club of Lagos, Charles Ibeziakor, last Thursday urged the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to come up with early plans for the 2019 season.
Ibeziakor told the Tidesports source in Lagos that he was dissatisfied with how things went in 2018 where the national women/men leagues were hurriedly done.
“I am surprised that so far, we have yet to hear from the NBBF on how and when the 2019 basketball season would dunk off.
“Last year the federation was so preoccupied with organising the national teams for the Women’s World Championship and the Men’s World Cup qualifications which in turn delayed the leagues.
“We want the NBBF to roll out plans for the year so that we would know where we are going,’’ Ibeziakor said.
Defending NBBF, its Media Coordinator, Afolabi Oni, told the Tidesports source that currently they were focused on preparing the national team for the forthcoming final phase of the FIBA Africa World Cup qualifications.
He said that the NBBF was also working round the clock to ensure that there would not be a repeat of what happened last year as regards the national leagues.
“Right now, we are focused on getting the national men’s team, D’Tigers ready for the final phase of the World Cup qualifiers coming up in February in Cote d’Ivoire.
“We are also little constrained by the coming national general elections where most of our sponsors are also waiting to see happens before they commit themselves.
“We are, however, positive that there would not be a delay in organising the national leagues as soon as the elections are over,’’ Oni said.
He added that there world be an annual stakeholders meeting in Abuja and in Lagos where basketball faithful would convene and signal the start of a new season.
Oni said that the stakeholders meeting would come up in March.
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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