Sports

Resolve Leadership Crisis In NBBF, Players Urge Minister

Published

4 years ago

February 21, 2022

Basketball players in the country have told the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, to urgently resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Tidesports source gathered that the players, who stormed the office of the Sports Minister during the week in Abuja to register their displeasure, frowned at the manner Dare was handling the leadership impasse rocking the federation.
Speaking with journalists, former NBA players and board members under the Engr Musa Kida-led board, Ejike Ugboaja, urged the Sports Minister to address the NBBF leadership crises without sentiment.
“The two NBBF elections were concluded two weeks ago, and we do not know the stand of the minister. I served under the Musa Kida’s board, and I have played the game for more than twelve years. We have never experienced this type of problem before. Except the minister has been compromised, I think by today, we ought to have our president and not the ministry running the show.
“We want the minister to come out and tell us what is going on. We want him to address us as the father of all sports in the country. He should tell us his position. Without the players, there is no basketball,” Ugboaja said.
Also speaking, the Players Representative on the board of the Igoche Mark-led NBBF, Stanely Gumut, said that basketball players, home and abroad, had thrown their weight behind Mr Igoche Mark, insisting that the players have vowed not to repeat the mistake made four years ago.
“We do not want to repeat the mistake we made four years ago. Such wasted time is what we do not want to repeat again. All our fight is about players’ welfare. The truth of the matter is that we (the players) have thrown our weight behind Mr. Igoche Mark. Unfortunately, the ministry is not saying anything about it.
We, the players, are the pioneers of this game, and we do not want to play basketball for free anymore. The minister is supposed to come out and talk to us as a father. But the man has been shying away from talking to us, and his action is becoming worrisome to us,” Gumut stated.
Musa Kida stated that he has nothing to say yet on the NBBF Presidency and other issues emanating from any factional group.
“I am still waiting for the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, to make his pronouncement on the NBBF election before I can take any step.”

Niger Delta

Royal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The Amanyanabo of Koniju town, in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Winston Odiye Alamina Oputibeya XII, has expressed satisfaction over the activities of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community.

He further said that bringing Arsenal fans together for a common purpose, which is love, unity, and peace, is commendable and pledges to support the community in his own little way.

HRM Oputibeya said this when some members of the community, led by Ugochukwu Oputa, paid him a courtesy visit in his house in Port Harcourt yesterday.

According to him, he started supporting and following Arsenal Football Club some decades back, saying that anybody who loves good football must love Arsenal because players in Arsenal play good football.

“I was longing to meet leaders of the community to also be part of it because I like their organizational structure and I love Arsenal.

“The activities of the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community for me are satisfactory; that is why I am associating with it.

“I would like members to conduct themselves in a civil manner because football fans all over are the progress of their club and love,” he said.

Earlier, the coordinator of the Port Harcourt community, Ugochukwu Oputa, thanked the royal father for accepting the community, assuring that the group will do her best to get recognition and connection with Arsenal FC in London.

Oputa narrated the activities lined up by the community on Saturday, saying that everything had been put in place for the street procession.

In his vote of thanks, a member of the Arsenal Community, Com. Tonye Orabere also thanked the Amanyanbo for his magnanimity and pledged to assist the community. He prays God to continue to bless him.

Tonye Orabere

Sports

PH To Host 2026 NWFL Super Six

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Women Football League has announced Port Harcourt as the host city for the 2026 Premiership Super Six, marking the first time the season-ending tournament will be held in Rivers State.

In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.

The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.

Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.

The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.

The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.

Sports

Khana, Akpajo All-Stars Set For Friendly Match ” Morrow”

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Khana All Stars FC in the Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, will tomorrow host Akpajo All Stars in a friendly football match at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, football pitch.

The return leg of the friendly game promises to be exciting and entertaining as both teams are prepared.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tidesports yesterday in Port Harcourt, the chairman of Khana All Stars FC, Saro Tap-le, said preparations for the game are in top gear.

According to him, they will use the match to honour and decorate their patron, the Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Bariere Thomas.

He said the encounter won’t be an easy one, knowing that Akpaoju All Stars are coming with full force to win the match.

“We played in Akpajo before, and they hosted us well, so tomorrow is our day to host them back. We are doing everything possible to give them a good fight. All arrangements for hosting them are in top gear.

“There is no cause for alarm. We are doing our best to host them in a big way. It is an All-Stars game, so winning is not the most important thing. What matters is the relationship we will create.

“You know, in the first encounter they defeated us 2-0, so tomorrow we will do our best to ensure we repay the scoreline.

“I think my teammates are training very hard for the game. Despite the fact that it’s not all about winning, we are going to surprise them,” Saro Tap-le stated.

Kiadum Edookor