Sports
NBBF Laments Inadequate Funding …As D’Tigress Train In Abuja
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has said that inadequate funding is hampering its programme ahead of the 2023 Afrobasket Championship scheduled to hold I Kigali, Rwanda from July 28 to August 6.
Defending champions, D’Tigress began training for the championship in Abuja last week after the successful conclusion of the open trial conducted in Lagos, Abuja and Chicago.
After the exercise, the coaches selected the successful players for the final training in Abuja before they depart for Kigali. The NBBF, however, has raised the alarm over its lack of the necessary finances to execute its programme for the championship, saying that the Federal Government is yet release funds for the country’s participation in the tournament
It said: “The format of the trials was also quite necessary and unavoidable, as the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently faced with paucity of funds, that has affected all the Sports Federations and government is yet to provide the required funds for the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
“There are such liabilities as the last Women’s AfroBasket Championship played in Cameroun in 2019, amongst many others, in which the Nigerian Women’s National team (D’Tigress) prepared, participated and won the trophy, are undergoing processing and still not refunded till this day.
“The Tokyo Olympics preparation of the Men and women’s national teams is also in advanced stages with the Ministry for refund. Faced with this circumstance and reality, the NBBF is not in a position to buy air tickets, pay hotel bills and pay allowances for these trials on its own, as the federation cannot limitlessly continue to borrow on specific programmes with such borrowed funds with limited visibility on when they will be paid. Despite the fact that these liabilities of borrowed funds are yet to be paid, we do appreciate the Ministry’s huge effort in processing the refunds.”
On the open trials, NBBF described as misconceptions the notion that it embarrassed the country. It said: “The NBBF would want to clarify some misconceptions, false information, misleading interviews and some deliberately paid untrue journalistic efforts, which have been making rounds in the media space, that have the tendency to tarnish and denigrate the image and efforts of NBBF and the Federal Government, if left unchecked.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News24 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business14 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News24 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers13 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers13 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers13 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH