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Tag: NBBF

  • NBBF Impasse: Stakeholders Knock Sports Minister over Legitimacy of Kida-Led Board

    NBBF Impasse: Stakeholders Knock Sports Minister over Legitimacy of Kida-Led Board

    Some Basketball Stakeholders have reacted to the “subtle imposition”  of Engr.Musa Kida as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation(NBBF), by the Federal Ministry of Youth Sports Development,describing the action as illogical,irrational,unreasonable and miscarriage of justice.  

    The group under the umbrella “New Face of Basketball” questioned the methodology used by the Sports Minister,Mr.Sunday Dare to pick Engr.Kida as the NBBF President after publicly acknowledging that two elections took place on January 31,2022.

    Spokesman of the group and Chairman of Kaduna state Basketball Association, Pastor Scambo Morrision in a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja,said  the group had maintained silence for the sake of peaceful resolution and the amendment of the controversial Constitution of the Basketball Federation.       

    Pastor Morrison added that the group has options at their disposal if the Sports Minister fails to retrace his steps, by doing the right thing.

    “So, it is not news that the minister of Youth and Sports indeed acknowledged that there were two elections. But our big surprise till today is that the minister and ministry never came out to talk to us about the findings of those elections.As good citizens of this country, we have remained very quiet, calm and disciplined waiting to hear the outcome of those elections.

    But till this day, nobody has called this particular faction to say anything to them concerning the election. Instead, we now found out that there were couple of people parading themselves as the ‘custodians of basketball in Nigeria.We want the minister to know that we have options if he he fails to do the right thing”.Pastor Morrison stated.

    The Kaduna Basketball Chairman continued.

    “We therefore want a clarification of how Kida emerged to become the president of the NBBF, knowing well that the minister who is in charge of sports in Nigeria acknowledged and pronounced that there were two elections and that his ministry  was looking into the issue to make sure that things were resolved in the NBBF.”He said.

  • Eid-El-Kabir: NBBF President Igoche Mark Felicitates with Muslims

    Eid-El-Kabir: NBBF President Igoche Mark Felicitates with Muslims

    As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid Al Adha,the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Mr.Igoche Mark has felicitated with Muslim Umar, especially those in the basketball community.

    Mark’s felicitation was contained in message issued on Saturday in Abuja, as he charged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the celebration.

    “On the occasion of this Year’s Eid Al Adha, which signifies the spirit of sacrifice, I wish to congratulate all Muslims in Nigeria, especially those in the basketball family.I urge all Muslims to imbibe the lessons of this period,which is sacrifice and love.”The statement reads in part.

    The NBBF President concluded his statement by praying the Almighty Allah (SWT) to accept the sacrifices and prayers offered during this period, especially concerning the unity, peace and progress of our beloved nation, Nigeria.

    “May the Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, prayers for peace, unity and progress of our country, Nigeria.Mark concluded his statement.

  • Basketball Players Storm Sports Minister’s Office, Demand Immediate Action over NBBF Leadership Impasse

    Basketball Players Storm Sports Minister’s Office, Demand Immediate Action over NBBF Leadership Impasse

    Nigerian Basketball Players on Tuesday stormed the office of Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, to register in very strong the seeming unwillingness of the Ministry to resolve the post election impasse rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), since January 31, 2022.

    Two elections of the said date – in Abuja as directed by the Ministry, and in Benin City, as decided by the immediate past President of the NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida.

    The visibly angry players led by the Players Representative in the NBBF Board, Mr.Stanely Gumut later told Sports Journalists that the procession to the Sports Minister office was part of resolutions reached at their meeting held last Tuesday.

    Gumut, said at the meeting, the players were aggitated that the ministry appear to be indifferent, while the leadership tussle takes a toll on their individual careers, and hampers the growth of the domestic component of Nigerian basketball,stating that Mark D Ball Basketball Championship has kept them busy.The players insisted that their future after Mark D Ball Championship is uncertain.

    The players also decried the inaction of the Sports Minister, as it concerns some other recent events, which in their wisdom is unfavorable to them and the sport.

    The players who turned out in their scores added that the resolution to visit the honourable Minister was sequel to the non receipt of a response from series of letters written to the Sports Minister.

    “We thought it wise to visit the Games Master General of the country, and have an honest conversation with him. Our visit shouldn’t be deemed a protest, because it is a visit to the Sports Minister, who in addition is the custodian of all sports in Nigeria, is like a father figure to us.Mark D Ball Championship has kept us busy in recent years,but with the championship coming to an end,we are tempted to ask, what would become our future as players?”Gumut queried.

    Gumut concluded that unfortunately for the players, the players were told the Minister was not on seat, and would not be in the office any soon, and that left the players with no other alternative, other than to match to the office of the Director FEAD to express their displeasure.

  • NBBF President Mark Igoche Leads Basketball Stakeholders to Jos, as Elder Gumut Journeys Home

    NBBF President Mark Igoche Leads Basketball Stakeholders to Jos, as Elder Gumut Journeys Home

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF,Mr.Igoche Mark over the weekend paid his last respect to late Elder Abraham Useni Dashon Gumut(the father of Mr.Stanely Gumut and NBBF Players Reps),in Jos,Plateau state before he was committed to mother earth.

    Mark who led a powerful delegation, comprising of NBBF board members,Club Owners and Basketball Players, paid tributes to the late septuagenarian, whose life time the Basketball Stakeholders say impacted a lot of lives.

    The NBBF President condoled with the widow,Mrs.Abraham Dashon Gumut,as he prayed God to comfort the grieving family.
    Responding on behalf of the family,Mr.Stanely Gumut thanked the Basketball family for standing behind his family during this trying moment.
    Late Elder Gumut passed away last week after a brief illiness.
    He was aged 70.

  • Purported FIBA Letter: A Slap on the Face of the Federal Government of Nigeria

    Basketball players have rejected and condemned the attempt by some individuals, whom they described as selfish to arm twist the Sports Ministry to do their bidding; this follows a purported letter written by the world governing body of basketball, FIBA acknowledging the election of Engr. Musa Kida as NBBF President.

    The said letter dated March 7th, 2022; also listed and congratulated some associates of Engr. Kida as duly elected officers of the NBBF.

    Reacting to the purported FIBA’s letter,the players in a statement signed by the NBBF Players Representatives, Stanely Gumut queried the change of the agreed channel of communication between FIBA and the NBBF.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a letter, purportedly written by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA), acknowledging one Engr. Musa Kida as President, of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), at a said election that took place in Benin, Edo State, on January 31st.

    Having perused this phantom letter, as critical stakeholders of Nigerian Basketball, laid it side by side with the undiluted facts of the NBBF elections of January 31st, 2022 which happened in Abuja, it has become pertinent and imperative to clear the air regarding the antics of some selfish desperate individuals who are hell bent on trading Nigeria for their personal gains; by attempting to bully and arm twist the Sports Ministry to do their bidding.

    These selfish schemers were betrayed by their desperation, to the extent that they forgot that FIBA in 2017 made it crystal clear in correspondence to the NBBF that its only means of communication with the federation is .

    That agreed, how and why did FIBA address the purported letter to Kida’s personal email?”The statement queried.

    The statement also accused FIBA of fuelling the crisis in the NBBF,stating that FIBA and some individuals in Nigeria have been holding the country to ransom since 2017;an action they described as a slap on the face of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “To set the records straight, FIBA has been part of the crisis bedeviling the NBBF since 2017, by supporting these individuals who have over years escalated the leadership crisis using FIBA and its agents to hold the sovereign state of Nigeria hostage, an action which Nigerian Basketball Players detest, and see as a slap on government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is the only recognized custodian of sports in Nigeria. In discharge of its statutory duties, it started the process of reconstituting boards of sports federations, under its watch, and that included the NBBF.

    The process, which began officially in September 2021, was driven by the guidelines released by the Sports Ministry, and it resulted in my emergence as the Players’ Representative. Other officers were likewise elected into the NBBF Board via this same process.

    The Ministry thereafter issued a directive, through the federation in a letter referenced NBBF/CESG.83/2022/Vol.1/127, and dated January 17, 2022 with: *Notification of Nigeria Basketball Federation Elective Congress, * as the subject.

    This gave credence to the elections held on January 31st, in Abuja. Until that fateful date and even now, there’s being no counter directive, regarding date and venue of the NBBF elections.”The statement added.

    The statement concludes by advising the Federal Government to deal with these individuals, who have brought Nigeria Basketball to stand still just to satisfy their desires.

    “Aside this election, other steps taken by these individuals to ridicule Nigeria as nation and government should not be taken lightly by the Nigerian authority, as these embarrassments are now a reoccurring decimal. The decision by FIBA Africa to bar Nigeria’s representative, Rivers Hoopers from participating in the second edition of the Basketball Africa League, was instigated by these folks; and the indiscretion that apparently provoked the protest by the D’Tigress over non payment of their allowances are few examples.

    As categorically stated by the Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, no constitution or individual is bigger than Nigeria; on this declaration, we stand!”The statement concludes.

  • Only Sports Ministry can Resolve NBBF Crisis — Ex NBBF Board Memeber

    Only Sports Ministry can Resolve NBBF Crisis — Ex NBBF Board Memeber

    A former board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF Alhaji Mustapha Liman has lauded the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in tackling the leadership crisis rocking the NBBF, insisting that the neutrality position of the sports ministry is the only panacea to resolving the lingering leadership tussle.

    Liman told journalist in Abuja on Tuesday, that the problem of the NBBF local and hence local approach should be employed in resolving the issue, while noting that some selfish Nigerians have decided to use FIBA as a pawn in escalating the crisis.

    The former basketball player and coach admitted that that the game of basketball in Nigeria was been killed by those who took charge of the in administering the slam and dunk game 5 years ago, he insisted that fresh and young minds should come on board to salvage the game.

    “What is happening in Nigeria basketball is so sad, but I am happy that the Ministry is taking the right decision, from all indications; the ministry has showed that they are neutral. The best thing to do now is that the Ministry should organise a fresh election by using their guideline as applicable to other federations; and not the satanic document they are calling consistuition…..Engr.Musa Kida has been on the board of NBBF since 1997, he is the longest serving board member but unfortunately with nothing to show.It is very sad what happened 5 years ago when the game was hijacked. They killed the league and they started depending on foreign players.” Liman stated.

    The former Niger Potter coach queried why Engr. Kida has not settled the allowances and bonuses owed the D’Tigress, despite interventions from the Sports Ministry and the National Assembly after the international embarrassment his action brought to the country.

  • This is the Time to Rule the World, NBBF President Charges D’Tigress

    This is the Time to Rule the World, NBBF President Charges D’Tigress

    President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Mr.Igoche Mark has reacted to Thursday’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in Sydney, Australia in September.

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress were drawn in Group alongside France, Australia, Canada, Japan and Serbia at an event that took place on the forefront of Sydney’s spectacular Harbour.

    Reacting to the draw, the NBBF President charged the ladies to aim at the bull’s eyes during the finials of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, while promising the team of adequate and proper support, devoid of politics and egocentrism.

    “Dear 3 Peat, the World cup is an avenue to show the world your qualities, skills and your doggedness in the court. My plea is that you have dominated Africa, now is the time to rule the world, go, see and conquer the rest of the world, aim at the bull’s eyes. On our part, we will ensure that you get all what you deserve in order to prepare adequately for the World Cup. Unlike in the past, when those entrusted with administering the game make promises without fulfilling them, this is what the New Face of Basketball has come to correct; we are committed to your welfare and all round wellbeing devoid of politics and egocentrism.” Mark stated.

    Mr. Mark also saluted the technical crew led by Coach Otis Hughley for guiding the team on the right path, noting his effort has led the team a step up in the FIBA women’s world ranking.

  • NBBF Has No Constitution- Osita Nwachukwu

    NBBF Has No Constitution- Osita Nwachukwu

    Osita Nwachukwu, a former board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF under Engr. Musa Kida led board has revealed that the federation has no legal document called the constitution.

    Nwachukwu who emerged as NBBF Vice President in Abuja on January 31,2022 made the revelation on Tuesday in a chat with Journalists at the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    According to him, the document being brandish as constitution was never endorsed by the NBBF congress.
    “Let me state clearly here, the NBBF never had a constitution, what we have before was the Tijani Umar’s constitution that was never accepted. The claim that NBBF congress endorsed a constitution on April 13,2019 is false and a big lie. What happened on that said day was only a stakeholders meeting; of which I was part of. Also, if the NBBF had endorsed that constitution, the dissolution of the NBBF board in May 2021, would have been resisted by whole basketball family, including Kida himself. Having accepted the position of a caretaker chairman, Engr. Musa Kida lacks the power to act under what he called constitution.”Nwachukwu stated.

    The NBBF Vice President explains that the Abuja January 31,2022 election was the authentic one, stating that the Abuja’s election followed the ministry’s guidelines and instructions.
    “Our election is the authentic one because we followed the ministry’s order.

    Remember, we started with the Players’ Rep and Technical Rep conducted by the Ministry in which Kida was part of,and also, the ministry ordered that the election must hold on January 31,2022 at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abuja. Tell me, do you change the rule of a game in the middle of the game?” He queried.

  • NBBF President Igoche Mark Says Domestic Basketball Coming Alive

    NBBF President Igoche Mark Says Domestic Basketball Coming Alive

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NNBF, Mr. Igoche Mark is excited about the current waves of basketball games being witnessed across the domestic scene in Nigeria.

    Mark disclosed this on Thursday at the ongoing Mark D Championship holding at the MKO Abiola stadium Abuja.He attributed the revival of domestic basketball to the movement championed by the New Face of Basketball.

    “The excitement in me cannot be measured because our domestic basketball is back from privation; this is due to the movement and campaign of the New Face of Basketball is championing. All over Nigeria there are several basketball championships ongoing; from the North to the South, East to West it is basketball. This is just the begining as we are determined to start a national league that will be envy to many when the dust finally settles down.” Mark started.

    Mark D Ball Basketball Championship is a personal initiative of the current NBBF President, Mr.Igoche Mark,as the championship has been in existance for over a decade.

  • Basketball Players Urge Sports Minister, Sunday Dare to Speak Up over NBBF Leadership Crisis

    Basketball Players Urge Sports Minister, Sunday Dare to Speak Up over NBBF Leadership Crisis

    Nigerian Basketball Players have urged the Minister of Youth and Sports Development,Mr.Sunday Dare to resolve the lingering leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation,NBBF.

    The players who stormed the office of the sports minister on Tuesday to register their displeasure,frowned at the posture of the Games Master in handling the leadership impasse rocking the federation.
    Speaking to Journalists,a former NBA Player and Board Member under the Engr.Musa Kida lead board,Mr.Ejike Ugboaja urged the Sports Minister to be bold and address the issue without sentiment.

    “The two elections were concluded two weeks ago, and we don’t 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 experience 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,we want the minister as the father of the game to tell us his position.Without the players there is no basketball.Ugboaja stated.
    In his reaction,the present Players Representative in the board of the NBBF,Mr.Stanely Gumut said that basketball players home and abroad have thrown their weight behind Mr.Igoche Mark, insisting that the players have vowed not to repeat the mistake made four years ago.

    “We don’t want to repeat the mistake we made four years ago;wasted time is what we don’t 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 don’t want to play free basketball anymore.The minister is suppose to come out and talk to us as a father,but the man has been shying away from talking to us and his action becoming worrisome to us.”Gumut stated.

    Nigerian Basketball Players have vowed to resist every attempt to impose Engr.Musa Kida as the NBBF President.They described the previous NBBF board under Engr.Kida has a sham and a global disgrace to basketball administration.