SPORTS
Ugboaja, Udoh, Morrison Endorse Igoche Mark for NBBF President
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
Basketball Stakeholders at the ongoing Mark D Ball Championships have overwhelmingly endorsed the candidacy of Igoche Mark for the Presidency of the upcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Igoche Mark is the initiator of Mark D Ball Basketball Championship, and until recently was Proprietor of Premier League franchise, Mark Mentors Basketball Club, of Abuja.
The young sportpreneur has been in the forefront of those championing a progressive change in the administration of Basketball in Nigeria, especially in the last four years of infighting, and underperformance of the now dissolved, Musa Kida led Board.
With his Movement; the New Face of Basketball, Mark has advocated and committed resources towards the resuscitation of the domestic component of the game, while ensuring that the welfare of the athletes at both local and international level is scaled up to meet globally acceptable standards.
A former NBBF Board Member, Ejike Ugboaja who served under Musa Kida, is one of those throwing their weight of support in favour of Igoche Mark, a graduate of Political Science from the University of Abuja, because of his evident leadership qualities, and passion for youth empowerment.
“We have a new face of Basketball and we are trying to do it ourselves now, I’m convinced Igoche Mark among other qualities, is a better team player with a sound mind and listening ear to lead a traumatised federation in dire need of healing.
“I am in support of him 100 percent,” Ugboaja’ who served as players’ representative in the last NBBF Board stated.
Similarly, Proprietor of Hotcoal Sizzlers of Abuja, Ubon Udoh, described the qualities of Igoche Mark as exceptional.
Udoh noted that aside initiating the Mark D Ball Basketball Championships for men and women, Mark has given so much to the game, and his quest to take the game to every part of the country, and have basketball played all round the year is monumental.
“Igoche Mark is a giver, a person who sacrifices for the game. He has been doing this for at least 15 years, and doesn’t expect anything back.
He just gives, and is always happy seeing youngsters given the platform to grow, and express themselves.
According to Udoh, for the game to grow in Nigeria, the structures and policies must first be right, and those lacking components are the additions Mark wants to bring on and positively influence the fortunes of Basketball, in the country.
“The honest truth is that we need such person in leadership, not just in Basketball but all sphares of the country,” Udoh said.
Another Stakeholder, and Chairman of the Kaduna State Basketball Association, Pastor Scambo Morrison pointed out that with the feat achieved by Igoche Mark, the Basketball family in Nigeria needs not to look elsewhere for a leader.
“Without any gainsaying, he is an embodiment of a breath of fresh air; good innovations, creativity, good ambience and good atmosphere for basketball. What else do we need?” Morrison queried.
A former Basketball player, Umar Abdullahi recanted the track records of other aspirants, and concluded thst Igoche Mark has all it takes to lead the Nigeria Basketball Federation, going forward.
“Igoche Mark is the best man for the job, I don’t think there is anyone out there that could do it better than him. We have seen what the rest can do; we just need his top notch ideas if we are serious about reshaping the fortunes of Nigeria Basketball,” Abdullahi stated.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has fixed January 31, 2022 for the delayed election into the Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
The duo of Mariam Eniola Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games coming up from 28th August to 8th September.
According to the Badminton World Federation, Multiple African Champion, Mariam Bolaji will represent Nigeria in the Women’s Singles Standing Lower 3 (SL3) while Jeremiah Chigozie represents Nigeria in the Men’s Singles Standing Lower 4 (SL4).
An elated Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria said the qualification of Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie is a testimony of hard work, consistency and perseverance.
Orbih who was full of joy revealed that Nigeria stands a good chance to make history by winning medals in para badminton in her debut appearance.
He said, “Today, history has been made as two players for the first time will be representing Nigeria in the para badminton event at the Paralympic Games. I am full of joy because the sacrifices of the players and the Federation were not in vain.
“Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have consistently attended the African Championship winning gold medals in the singles and doubles events. Last month, Mariam Bolaji won two gold medals at the Spanish Internationals in Victoria and Toledo putting her in a better position to make it to the Paralympics; which has become a reality.
“With adequate camping, foreign tours and proper funding, I believe Nigeria will win a medal in the Para Badminton event when we make our debut this year”.
Orbih once again, called on well meaning individuals to support the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in ensuring the athletes get maximum support ahead of the Olympic/Paralympic Games in Paris next August.
He said, “I will not get tired of calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the private sector to key into our brand and give more support to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. We have athletes who are marketable and will sell their brands to the world with their sterling performances”.
Mariam Eniola Bolaji shocked the world by winning her first gold medal at the Spanish Para badminton International 2021 beating Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine.
Bolaji won the women’s singles SL3 at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023, All African Para Badminton Championship 2023 (Doubles and Mixed Doubles).
She won gold medals at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023, Egypt Para Badminton International 2024, World Para Badminton Championship 2024 in Thailand and Spanish Para Badminton International 2024.
Bolaji is also the first African player to be ranked among the top 10 in the BWF world rankings as she is currently ranked number 5 in the world.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Chigozie won bronze medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 and three gold medals at African Para Badminton Championship 2023
He played a lesser number of championships compared to Eniola; playing in Egypt, Dubai, and World Championship in Thailand.
Chigozie got to the quarter finals in the men’s singles SL4 category in Thailand and currently ranked number 16 in the recent BWF para Badminton ranking.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s table tennis pacesetter, Aruna Quadri, on winning the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Cup title.
Quadri achieved a resounding victory in the final match of the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup in Rwanda, reclaiming his title and sealing his place as Africa’s table tennis champion.
The President commended the table tennis star for his dogged pursuit of excellence even in the face of gnawing obstacles, declaring that the zeal for distinction, the hardiness to succeed, and the inventiveness to solve complex problems are the exceptional qualities that define Nigerians.
The President also noted the recent progress in the nation’s sports sector, with remarkable performances in the African Games, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the World Relay Championships, and emphasized that his administration will continue to foster the growth and development of sports in the country.
The Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Finidi George as Head Coach of the Senior Men National Football Team, the Super Eagles.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, on Monday said the NFF approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to appoint George.
Reports says that the ace winger spent 20 months as assistant to José Peseiro before the Portuguese voluntarily left the post after guiding the team to silver medal at AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
George took charge of the squad in acting capacity during two friendly matches in Morocco last month.
His squad edged Ghana 2-1 in the first match, ending an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars, but then lost 0-2 to Mali in the second game.
He was a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia.
The team also emerged the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year.
George won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals. He also won gold, silver and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000 and 2002 AFCON tournaments.
The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) forward made a scoring debut for fatherland in an AFCON qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos, on July 27, 1991.
He also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe.
He assisted Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on 19th June 1994.
George had actually scored the goal that took Nigeria to that FIFA World Cup debut, when he put Nigeria ahead against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October, 1993.
The match eventually ended 1-1 and earned Nigeria a ticket to the finals in America.
George’s immediate task will be to guide the Super Eagles to victory in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan respectively, in a little over five weeks.
The matches are must-win encounters, with the Super Eagles lagging behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign behind Rwanda and South Africa.(NAN)
Para Badminton: Bolaji, Chigozie qualify for Paris 2024 Paralympics
ShareThe duo of Mariam Eniola Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games coming up from...
FCTA Moves to Curb Medical Tourism
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, AbujaFederal capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to provide the necessary support for the successful completion and...
Ortom, Ode, Asemakaha Felicitates With Alia on 58th Birthday
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, the incumbent Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode and...
NAICOM, RMAFC Collaborate on Economic Diversification
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, AbujaThe Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and his management team have met with the members...
22,000 Beneficiaries to Get N50,000 Nano Businesses Grant in Kogi
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, LokojaNo fewer than 22,000 beneficiaries in Kogi will get N50,000 each, under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme...
CBN Unveils Strategy to Boost Remittances
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, AbujaThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has activated plans to double foreign-currency remittance flows through formal channels...
Accountant General Declares N318.5b Revenue Inflow in First Quarter
ShareBy Ubong Ukpong, AbujaThe Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein on Wednesday said total revenue inflows to the...
Senate Charges Army, Police to Increase Presence in Uzo-Uwani to Forstall Peace
ShareBy Eze Okechukwu, AbujaThe Senate yesterday charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Army Staff...
Ebonyi LG Polls: EBSIEC Gives 3rd June Ultimatum for Political Parties to Conclude Primaries
ShareBy Godwin Okeh, AbakalikiEbonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, on Wednesday gave 3rd June 2024 ultimatum for all political parties...
Reps Member Calls for Urgent Intervention in Federal Teaching Hospitals
ShareBy David Torough, AbujaThe Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Amos Magaji has called for an urgent financial...