Sports

Sports Ministry Suspends Basketball Federation Election Indefinitely

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2021

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on Monday said it has placed an indefinite suspension on the Nigeria Basketball Federation Elective Congress scheduled for Saturday.
Following the Federation’s extraordinary congress, the Musa Kida-led Caretaker Committee had approved October 30 for elections into the board.
The congress held on October 9 in Abuja also ratified Benin as the host city for the NBBF Elective Congress, while also adopting the proposed Electoral Committee to be chaired by Lanre Glover.
However, a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar, on Monday directed an indefinite suspension of the Congress.
“Having reviewed the crisis around the NBBF and in consideration of the several attempts by the supervising Ministry to resolve the lingering crisis and factionalisation in the basketball family, the FMYSD hereby directs an indefinite suspension of the NBBF Elective Congress.
“All concerned stakeholders are expected to take note and comply,” the statement said.
It added that the decision became necessary to avert further deterioration of the leadership crisis and was geared towards finding a workable solution to the current disagreements within the Federation.
“The rancour-free development of basketball in Nigeria is of utmost importance,” the Ministry stated further.
It, however, noted that recent elections into the NBBF Board from the various constituencies, such as Zones, NAWIS, Military/Paramilitary, NAPHER.SD and others, stand.
“Those elected therefore remain Members-Elect,” it added.
Tidesports source gathered that the build-up to the polls had been rocked by crisis, with protests by players calling for the resignation of Kida.
No fewer than 100 Nigerian basketball players led by the newly-elected players’ representative, Stanley Gumut, on October 15 in Abuja staged a protest at the Unity Fountain.
The aggrieved players had voiced their resentment at what they termed the mishandling of basketball administration in the last four years.
“Plans by some individuals to perpetuate themselves in office against the wish of the majority are unacceptable,” they had said.
Gumut insisted that the players ought to have a say like the other recognised bodies, adding that they (the players) had endured enough of the marginalisation.
He added that they also wanted the outgoing Musa Kida-led leadership to steer clear of the elections.
Similarly, 2021 Afrobasket women champions, D’Tigress, also staged a protest over their unpaid wages and allowances.
They expressed grievances over what they described as unfair treatment meted out to them by the Nigerian government and the NBBF.
The basketballers said this was more prevalent after their victory at the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Women’s Championship in Cameroon.
Some members of the team, who took to social media platform Twitter, said their efforts in winning the championship for the fifth time were never appreciated.

Sports

Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Ghana star, Mohammed Kudus has named Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as his greatest African footballer of all time, drawing parallels between Okocha’s style of play and his own.
Kudus, currently plying his trade with West Ham United, praised Okocha for his exceptional skills and entertainment value on the pitch.
Okocha’s illustrious career includes numerous achievements such as winning the Goal of the Year award in Germany in 1993, multiple Nigerian Footballer of the Year titles, and being named the BBC African Footballer of the Year twice.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kudus expressed his admiration for Okocha, emphasising the lasting impact of his creative flair and ability to entertain fans. He highlighted Okocha’s unique style of play as a source of inspiration for him as a young footballer.
”I will say Jay Jay Okocha. I will say explaining from my lens how I see creative players and entertain. That can never be washed away and the fans can never forget that,” Kudus told our source.
Despite joining West Ham United last summer, Kudus has quickly established himself as a crucial player for David Moyes’ side.
With stellar performances throughout the season, Kudus has garnered attention for his impressive contributions on the pitch. In his debut season, the midfielder has netted an impressive 13 goals in 38 appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for the club.

Sports

HFN Sets Deadline For League Registration

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) have called on teams that will participate in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 to complete all documentary registration on or before May 4, 2024.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 kick off with phase 1 to hold in Benin City, Edo State from May 12th to the 25th , 2024 and the HFN said all teams must document all their registration regarding player registrations, loans and transfers as soon as the 4th of May 2024 according to a statement addressed the officials of the twenty two participating teams by the Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Almu Umar Lambu.
“A total of 25 players and 4 officials shall be registered for the Season as there shall be no more registration in the Second Phase and all participating clubs should note that documentary registration of players, transfers and loans shall be completed on or before 4th May, 2024.” Mr. Lambu said.
Mr. Lambu also revealed that the HFN will hold an anti-doping seminar for players and officials during the course of the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 in Benin City, Edo State.
“Also Clubs should note that there will be Anti-Doping Seminar during the league to be organised by the HFN Medical and Anti-Doping Commission” Mr. Lambu concludes.
The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks by the Handball Federation of Nigeria for effective preparation in tandem with the sponsor Ardova PLC and will now hold from May 12 to 25, 2024.
Teams are expected to arrive Benin City on May 12, 2024 while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13 through to May 24, 2024. Departure is May 25, 2024.

Sports

Athletics: Ofili, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris Olympics

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Favour Ofili and Ezekiel Nathaniel have booked their places to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ofili won the women’s 200-meter event in day one of the Tom Jones Invitational on Friday, hosted by Florida at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.
The Port Harcourt, Nigeria, native blazed out of the blocks and clocked an event-winning time and No. 4 time in the world of 22.33 seconds (+1.4 m/s).
She defeated Anavia Battle who came through in 22.56s and Ida Karstoft in a new National Record of 22.60s
Her time dips under the Paris 2024 Olympics’ standard of 22.57 seconds, punching her ticket to the Olympics in her first season after turning pro.
It is her fastest time outdoors since 2022 where she set the Nigerian National Record of 21.96s the same year.
Nathaniel on his part shattered the Nigerian 400m Record at the Tom Jones Invitational, running a brilliant 48.29s.
The feat has seen Nathaniel automatically qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, surpassing the Olympic standard by almost half a second.
Chris Robinson of the United States won in a time of 47.95s ahead of Clement Ducos, who ran 48.26s.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s High Jump event, Nigeria’s Erhire Best won clearing a Season’s Best (SB) of 2.21m.
He defeated Riyon Rankin on countback, having needed just one attempt to clear the winning mark while Rankin took three tries. BJ Jennings was 3rd with 2.13m.