Sports
Kwara Vets Win Veterans Basketball Tourney
Kwara Vets defeated ANBB Philippines to win the 2023 Independence Day Veteran Basketball Competition held at the Dolphin Sports Hall, Punch Estate, Lagos.
In a highly competitive encounter, the Kwara team narrowly edged out ANBB Philippines 46-43 to lift the trophy.
To qualify for the finals, Kwara Vets defeated VOA Abuja 43-36, while ANBB Philippines got the better of OBV Oyo, 39-38.
Hoops Dream team from Ibadan was also on ground to take on Dolphins in an exhibition match, which ended 22 to 17 in favour of the hosts.
According to one of the organisers and CEO of Hoops Dream, Damola Awosika, the Independence Day Basketball Tournament is a competition for veteran basketball players, which started about eight years ago, involving teams from Nigeria and Ghana.
“It is an opportunity for us, as older players, to network and keep fit. The Ghanaian team has not missed a single edition since we started the competition, which shows the love and commitment they have for the game. To add to the glamour of this year event, a Filipino side also participated,” he said.
Also speaking on the event, Adetola Ajaguna, whose company, Ile Wura Nigeria Limited, contributed to the success of the competition, sponsoring basketball, is part of her company’s social responsibility.
She noted: “We sponsor the Hoops Dream and this is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. At Ile Wura, developing youths is our core value. What Hoops Dream stands for is to develop talents in basketball from the ages of five to 18. That is why in all our estates in Ile Wura, we have a basketball court.”
The event, which had six teams in attendance, ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding players and individuals that have contributed to the growth of the competition.
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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