Sports
NBBF Picks 21Players For D’Tigers’ Olympics Qualifier
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has in Abuja said it had chosen 21 players for the national men’s team preparations for the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Speaking at a press conference on the team’s aspiration for a 2012 Olympic Games ticket, the NBBF President, Tijani Umar, said the players were drawn from both domestic and international clubs.
He said the Federation had for the first time put together the best Nigerian players from around the world based on their skill and expertise in the game.
The Tidesports gathered that the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament is scheduled for Caracas in Venezuela from July 2 to July 8.
The top three teams at the 12-team competition will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games billed to hold from July 27 to Aug. 12 in London.
“The players include Olumide Oyedeji, Michael Eric, Solomon Alabi, Akin Akingbala, Ike Diogu, Ejike Ugboaja, Ike Ofoegbu, Ezenwa Ukeagu, Anagonye Aloysius and Koko Archibong.
“The rest are Al-Farouk Aminu, Melvin Ejim, Ekene Ibekwe, Ade Dagunduro, Stanley Gumut, Derrick Obasohan, Richard Oruche, Tony Skinn, Usman Abubakar, Mike Ohiero and Noruwa Agho.
“We have been documenting these players for some time now, and this is the first time ever the NBBF is doing this.
“They are among the top players in the world now, and we now have probably the best Nigerian side ever,’’ the NBBF president said.
The players are based in countries such as China, the U.S, France, Iran, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Israel, with three of them based in Nigeria.
“The team will be coached by Ayodele Bakare, to be assisted by Tim Shea, Sani Ahmed and Dominic Okon, and all four are highly-credentialed with good records and experience,’’ Umar said.
He said the team’s preparations had however been on since December 2011 to ensure that Nigeria excelled at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The Nigerian team, known as D’Tigers, are grouped alongside hosts Venezuela and world number four-ranked Lithuania at the tournament.
“The countries we will be meeting have a longer basketball history, yet we are going to compete against them. But we know what we are up against, and that is why we have been preparing hard.
“These players are some of the best around the world and we have been preparing behind the scene since December 2011,’’ Umar said.
He said the team would camp in China because of the country’s facilities and partnership with Nigeria which would be of immense benefit to the players.
“The team will leave Nigeria Wednesday (June 6) night for China where they will train and play in games against some of the best teams in the world.
“They will then proceed to Houston, in the U.S on June 19 with 15 of the players, where we will play against Team Great Britain.
“The team will then head to Brazil on June 24 for a Super Four competition, where we will play against Brazil,’’ the NBBF president said.
He however said the competition for places in the team had been stiff.
“This is because there are enough players for each of the positions and that is why the coaches will now have a hard time in determining who finally makes it after the training programme,’’ Umar said.
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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