Sports
Why I Want To Continue As NBBF President …Kida
The Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, has revealed that he is pushing to return as NBBF president because he wants to build on his achievements in the last four years.
Speaking to newsmen at the weekend, Kida said his accomplishments in the sport were there for all to see, boasting that he has taken basketball to a height that needs to be sustained.
“We have achieved a lot when it comes to basketball in Nigeria with record-breaking feats. Though, we didn’t have a premier league the way we would have wanted, but we compensated for that by securing sponsorship and organising every division of our men’s basketball leagues.
“We had both the men’s Division One and Two, which is something that has never been done before. And that means we are awakening grassroots basketball and I really take pride with that alongside other members of the outgoing board,” he said.
A confident Kida, who thanked Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, for creating the enabling atmosphere for NBBF and other federations since he assumed office, urged the minister to maintain the current stride.
“There was no way we could have achieved so much if there was no enabling environment. There was no way we could have had the flexibility to be able to do what we did for the results to come. I really want to thank the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, who everyday looks for better ways of settled and enabling environment for us, to do the best he can.
“We all know things are not easy, especially in Nigeria, where everybody expects that any match we play, we must win and if we don’t win, it is the minister’s fault. Some people believe it is the minister’s responsibility to create the enabling environment for the administrators to excel.
“I want to sincerely thank Mr Dare for his understanding and also for his encouragement through expert opinions his ministry brings to the table. I want to say I am most grateful for his support and I am begging him to continue his support in a way that will allow us to progress and develop the game,” Kida said.
Meanwhile, the NBBF’s elections have been suspended until issues surrounding Kida’s and former NBBF president, Tijanu Umar-faction’s constitution are resolved.
The sports ministry and Nigeria Olympics Committee have given the Kida and Umar factions 21 days to resolve their problems.
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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