NBBF lauds AdaMark Foundation For 3X3 Hoops For Girls

Following the Successful conclusion of the AdaMark Foundation 3X3 Hoops For Girls Championship in Abuja, the Nigerian Basketball Federation has showered encomiums on the organiser, AdaMark Foundation For Girls for putting together the inaugural 3X3 Basketball format competition in country at the package B of the Abuja National Stadium.

The 3×3 tournament which comprised of 3 females and 1 male on each team had Team Hawks go home with the N200,000 cash prize winners after they defeated the Abuja All Stars who took home a cash prize of N100,000 as losing finalist. For coming third, Team One Win Academy got N75,000 while Titan Basketball Academy despite finishing 4th got N50,000 for their exploits.

Coach Stanley Gumut and his championship Team and AdaMark Ogbole CEO AdaMark Foundation for Girls.

Speaking after Final match, the NBBF President, Mr. Tijjani Umar said the Federation will support individuals like AdaMark Ogbole, CEO AdaMark Foundation For Girls who have initiatives to take Nigerian Basketball the next level.

“We as a Federation have shown that we are open to accommodating any meaningful programmes that add value to basketball in the country, that is why we are here and we are ready to support and encourage more individuals to come forth and add whatever value they feel they can add to the growth of the Game”

“ What we have seen today is a landmark event because this is the first official 3X3 event in Nigeria particularly for Girls. AdaMark Foundation for Girls, have extended their level of purpose and drive because we are very accustomed to their Basketball Camp for girls, but this time She has expanded from just a camp to a competition to engage women and give them a level playing field to compete against each other and the guys also. ” He added

The CEO of the AdaMark Foundation For Girls, Mrs AdaMark Ogbole said it is she was elated by the turn out and was motivated to set up the competition due to the lack of opportunity for Girls express themselves in a competitive environment.

“ First and formost the 3X3 basketball format is a rising trend in basketball across the world and the Women folk often times get little opportunity to express themselves, that is why I decided we play the No Barriers 3X3 basketball championship for Women. Although so they don’t say we are driving gender inequality we decided to tweak it with 1 male in each team of 4 Girls”.

Coach Stanley Gumut and his championship Team and AdaMark Ogbole CEO AdaMark Foundation for Girls.

AdaMark Ogbole, wife of FIBA Statistician, Obande Ogbole promised not to get tired even though the tournament was sponsored solely by her foundation, and hoped to expand the tournament and run it for many years to come.

“This is just the beginning for us, though it is never easy to be a sole sponsor, we hope to get partners on board to drive this tournament to make it bigger next year and our for Girls empowerment because, I believe we (females) can achieve equal feat with the men folk, if we are given the opportunity and the needed support”.

Eworomadu leads DTigress to Independence day Victory, Semi Final Ticket Booked

The Nigerian women’s senior basketball team at the ongoing FIBA Africa women basketball championship in Yaounde, booked their place in the semi final thanks to an inspirational performance from Harlem Globetrotters’ Joyce Eworomadu who scored 20 points with 4 assists, with ever reliable Adaora Elonu adding double digits 13 points for the 6th straight game.

The Nigerian ladies who lead in the first quarter 20-13, went to sleep early in the 2nd quarter as Mozambique crawled back in it to even the score at 27-27. However inspirational shots of the bench from captain and tournament’s 3 points leading scorer, Helen Ogunjimi 2(3pointers) gave Nigeria a breather at half time with Nigeria leading 41-36.

The 2nd half took a turn for the worse for the D’Tigress as Mozambique powered by Deolinda Ngulela who had 11 first half points carried her team to tie the game 47-47 midway through the 3rd quarter.

Nigeria however, stood strong for the close finish after the game was on 9 different occasions and the lead change in between both team 5 times in the final 2 quarters.

Ndidi Madu contributed 13 rebounds, including 4 points while el oedema also joined Helen Ogunjimi and Sarah Ogoke in adding 6 points to send Nigeria to a sweet independence day celebration in far way Yaounde.

Nigeria Womens Basketball Yeam DTigress

Hero of the game Joyce Eworormadu admitted it was a tough game but was glad the got the win

“We knew there was no tomorrow , so if we had to win we had to do it now. We turned up our defence”.

She also concluded by sending an Happy Independence day greetings to all Nigerians back home.

“Happy Independence day Nigeria, we are trying to bring the GOLD home for you.

Femi Adefeso

Diogu is 50-50 to Play for Nigeria. – Team Physio

Nigeria improved on her performance at the last Afrobasket in Cote d’ivoire by booking a semi-final date with Senegal on Saturday after an impressive 88-64 points win over Gabon in the quarter final in Tunisia. The D’Tigers who have played 4 of their 5 games in the tournament are missing leading scorer and rebounder Ike Diogu who is yet to feature at the tournament due to a calf injury.

According to the D’Tigers team physio, Dayo Ogunkunle, Ike Diogu has not been totally ruled out of the tournament because he is making steady progress.

“ I can rate Diogu at 50% now, his calf is healing fine but we have to make sure he is not feeling any pain before we can pass him to play”.

“ We are doing our best to get him back on the court but we can’t rush him because Ike is an explosive player and we must ensure we don’t put him at risk of further damage, that will put his career on the line”.

L-R D’Tigers medical crew Dr. Musa Ohida – Team Doctor , Dr Dayo ogunkunle – Team Physio, photo credit Femi Adefeso

Diogu was tournament leading scorer in Afrobasket 2013 with 153 points and 21.9 points per game and 2nd on the rebounding chart with 10.1 rebounds per game so his fitness will add a lot to an already smoking team who are search of Nigeria’s first Afrobasket title.

Femi Adefeso

Kano Pillars Edge Stubborn Dodan Warriors To Semifinal….As Mark Mentors Seal A Trip To The Semis

Defending champions Kano Pillars kept their title defense on track, but not without a stiff battle from the Dodan Warriors, as the Lagos boys came from behind twice to tie the champions only to lose by 1 point in the closing seconds 67-66, after Matthew Omenya stole an inbound pass from John Oweh to score an easy layup with the game tied at 63-63.

Dele Ademola caused further damage to entend their lead to 4 points with 11 seconds to go before Romaric Quenum buried a consolation buzzer beater 3pointer to bring the Warriors to within one with no time on the game clock.

Highlight of the afternoon was Abubakar Usman’s 5 straight 3pointers totalling 26 points while Simone Owochio banged 2- 3points shots reply in the 3rd quarter.

Romaric Quantum top scored for the gallant Warriors with 22 points as Warriors lost the Semi final place to Union Bank who beat Kada Stars 69-60 to join the reigning champions from Group B.

In Group A, Mark Mentors cemented their place in the Semi finals with a 65-52 points victory over Customs, thanks to captain Stanley Gumut who has been outstanding all playoffs bagging in 15 of his 19points from behind the arc with 3 wins from 3, in a tight group that has Lagos Islanders lose the Semi final ticket to Gombe Bulls in a 72-62 point win after in a 3 way fight for final semi final ticket with 1 win 2 loses each in between the 3 teams.

The Semi Finals tomorrow will see Kano Pillars take on Gombe Bulls at 4 pm while Mark Mentors takes on Union Bank at 6pm for a place in the Finals.

A Dodan Worriors player going for a dunk against Kada Stars during the final-8 playoff of 2015 DStv premier Basketball League at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

DSTV Premier Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs

Day 1 Results
Gombe Bulls 60-63 Customs
Dodan Warriors 78-53 Kada Stars
Union Bank 51-67 Kano Pillars
Mark Mentors 78-68 Lagos Islanders

Femi Adefeso
photo credit Akinkunmi Farinto

Nigeria Release 26 man D’Tigers for Afrobasket 2015

Nigeria will be going to Tunisia in search for her first ever Afrobasket crown having suffered a disappointing outing in times past and most recently in the quarterfinal to Senegal in Abidjan 2013.

Under the tutelage of new coach, American, William Voigt, the D’Tigers will be hoping to put off the tag of nearly men and rule Africa for the first time in Tunisia come August 19th-30th.

The team will be headlined by NBA Stars Al Farouq Aminu and Ekpe Udoh who will be making his first appearance for Nigeria while the likes of Alfarouq’s older brother Alade, Ike Diogu, Benjamin Uzoh, Stanley Okoye, Andy Ogide, Jamal Olasewere, Stanley Gumut and veteran Olumide Oyedeji makes a return from Afrobasket 2013 in Abidjan.

Nigeria Basketball Team D’Tigers, photo credit Femi Adefeso

Also making a return is Chamberlain Oguchi and Derrick Obasohan who were part of the London 2012 Olympics, and home based stars Abubakar Usman and Yahaya Abdul.

Others are Deji Akindele, Micheal Umeh, Eric Oluwaseun, Obekpa Chris and Ofoegbu Ikechukwu with the likes of Edo Karachi, Akinlolu Akingbala, Ebie Jason, Elonu Chinemelu, Gbinije Micheal, Olaseni Lawal and Talib Zanna get their first taste of the national team.

The team leaves Abuja tonight for Paris, France to participate in an invitational tournament from July 22-27. They continue their preparation in Paris and leave for Tunis on August 15 for Afrobasket which begins on August 19 – 30, 2015.

FIBA Africa U16: Nigeria Beats Mozambique, Seal World Championship Ticket

The Fantastic 9 Nigerian girls at the FIBA Africa U16 championship brought their World Championship Fantasy to reality as the cruised to an hard fought 54-51 points victory over Mozambique in the Semi finals of the African U16 Women championship in Madagascar.

Nigeria started out slowly trailing 5 -16 in the 1st quarter, but shook off the the tension and powered back with 20-8 points run in the 2nd quarter to take a 25-24 lead to the half time break. The 3rd quarter had both teams neck to neck, but Nigeria still managed a 1 point lead (36-35) going into the final quarter after both sides scored 11 points apiece.

FIBA Africa U16 Nigeria vs Morocco photo credit FIBA

Despite the superior rebounding from Mozambique 52-38 over Nigeria in the game. Nigeria pulled through out scoring Mozambique 12 -4 from inside the paint and shooting 54% from free throw line compared to Mozambique who managed just 46%.

Chinelo Lucy Ibeh and Isioma Vannessa Oduah lead the floor with 16 points apiece, while Ene Adams did massive job of picking 14 rebounds despite scoring just 2 points, and Rita James adding 9 points to the spoils.

With the win Nigeria has booked a place in the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship and a final show down against triple defending champions Mali on Sunday.

Femi Adefeso

Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation Launches Stay In School Initiative.

Long time captain of the Nigeria national team, Olumide Oyedeji is set to launch the Olumide Oyedeji Intercollegiate Basketball championship as part of his advocacy for sport men to get sound education along with playing professional sports. The initiative adds to the D’Tigers’ captains annual give back programme the Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp.

The veteran Nigeria captain disclosed that the motivation behind this “Stay in School” campaign is to stress the need for education among sport men particularly basketball players and to revive the culture of School sports programme at the tertiary level which helped him on his way to becoming a Pro athlete.

“It’s worrying to know that a lot of professional sport men in Nigeria today have little or no tertiary education. Sports only lasts for a short period of time and when it’s gone what do you fall back on”

Olumide Oyedeji, Captain D’Tigers Of Nigeria

“We need to create a scenario where going to school and playing sports is attractive that’s why I have decided to start from my constituency which is Basketball by creating a competition amongst the best tertiary institutions in Nigeria be it University, College of Education or Polytechnic”.

“I remember those years when I played in the Nigerian league, a bulk of us usually met at the NUGA games and that’s why even those who are retired now are all doing good wherever they are in the world”.

The Intercollegiate basketball championship is said to feature top tertiary institutions representing the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) and the Nigeria College of Education Games (NACEGA), come September and in addition to the Annual Olumide Oyedeji Basketball camp for kids which also comes up in September. Details about both developmental projects will be released in due course.

Dominant D’Tigress Qualify for 2015 Afrobasket/AAG.

After a dominant 20 points win in the 1st leg on Thursday in Abidjan, the Nigerian Female national team sealed qualification for the 2015 Afrobasket for Women/ All African Games later this year with an emphatic 88-43 points win over Cote d’ivoire in the 2nd round match at the Palais du Sport in Abidjan.

The D’Tigress was powered to victory by Uju Ugoka’s 14 points, with captain Helen Ogunjimi and Primeiro Agosto point guard, Sarah Ogoke adding 13 points each in an impressive display on the night that saw the D’Tigress claw past the female Elephants with ease.

The Scott Nnaji lead Ladies took charge from the jump ball, taking a 10 points lead in the opening 10 minutes (25-15), then extended their lead to 47-27 at half time.

Nigeria’s women Basketball National team D’TIGRESS, photo credit Atosu Upe Esther

D’Tigress ended any hopes of a comeback for the female Elephants of Cote D’ivoire in the 3rd quarter outscoring them 26-9 to pull up an unassailable 71-36 points lead going into the 4th quarter. Closing the deal with a 17-6 points scoreline in the final 10 minutes.

First Bank Basketball club point guard Atosu Upe also had an electrifying night scoring 12 points alongside sparkling Ndidi Madu who also put up 12 points.

Nigeria has now booked a date with Angola, Senegal, Algeria, the qualifier from FIBA Africa Zone 2 and yet to be named wild card entry in group B of the 2015 Afrobasket in Yaounde, Cameroun come September 22-3rd October for a battle for a 3rd African title and a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Femi Adefeso

Lagos FA Conducts Successful Divisional Association Elections

In the build up to the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) elections later this month, the election for the Divisional Football Associations of the Lagos State Football Association was successfully concluded at the head quarters of the Lagos football house Onikan Stadium, Lagos on Tuesday. After the submission of forms and a successful screening exercise was concluded on Monday, February 9 th 2015.

Hon. Dr. S.A Akin Aina, chairman Badagry Division Football Association

The Four divisions of the State FA retained status quo at both Chairman and board level as Hon. Dr. S.A Akin Aina, chairman Badagry Division Football Association and board members, Prince Kosoko Bashir Adesegun and Ekhator Anthony Egbinosun retained their seats unopposed.

It was the same situation in the Epe Division Football Association as both chairman and board members were returned to office unopposed. Osinaike Olusegun Olawale and Ashiru Jimoh Olasumbo and Warri Charles Benaibi were elected as chairman and board members respectively.

The Ikeja Division Football Association election was not any different from the previous two division election held prior to theirs as Taiwo Alagbe Radio retained his chairmanship post unopposed as did his board members Laloko Adewale and Duroshola Olajuwon Adenike.

Prince Ifalade Oyekan, Chairman Lagos Division Football Association

The Lagos Division was also the return of Prince Ifalade Oyekan as the Chairman while Mr Remmy Awosanya and Mr Onwuegbuzie were both returned unopposed as members of the board.

The Ikorodu Division Football Association election ended proceedings for the day just like the way the election started as the 2 man board led by Chairman Sonibare Lukman Abdul and renowned referee Jelili Ogunmuyiwa retained their seats.

Members of the Electoral committee and the newly elected chairmen after the swearing in ceremony

The dress rehearsal for the February 24 LSFA election was deemed successful by all parties, as the various boards have since been inaugurated. Screening for the State FA board and chairmanship seat will start on Wednesday 12th February, names of approved candidates will be forwarded to the General Assembly from the 17th to 23rd February after all appeals might have been successfully resolved from 13th- 16th of this month.

Femi Adefeso

HAPPY NEW FROM ALL OF US AT THE NEWFANZONE

HAPPY NEW FROM ALL OF US AT THE NEWFANZONE

NEWFANZONE CREW AT THE Lagos SWAN Tug of war tourney 2014

Demola, Festus, Tobi, Nodi, Paul and Samson

Femi, Sola, Demola, Paul and Tobi

Demola, Femi, Sola, Paul

Femi, Tobi, Sola, Demola, and Paul

Sola Tobi, Demola, and Paul

Leo Football Academy Top, As FAKA League Takes Festive Break

With the 2014 FA U15 Kiddies Amateur league going on festive break this weekend, Two points seperate the top 6 sides in a very competitive league after 7 weeks of action in various football fields across Lagos.

With a total 13 Points and a league best record of 4 wins 2 losses and a solitary draw, Leo Football Academy gained top spot on the FAKA league table thanks to a 4-1 win away from home at Bora Football Academy Egbeda in the last round of matches, as week 6 leaders Real FC slipped 2-0 on the road to Shobande at the Lagos Island Sura lafiaji field to fall 1 point short off the table toppers.

FAKA KIDS LEAGUE

Sharp Striker Fc Ikotun Egbe capitalised on Real FC’s slip up with a narrow 1-0 victory of over struggling Star Light Academy Oshodi to move level on points with Real FC (12 points), but with an inferior goals scored tally after tying on goals aggregate with +2. Lake side Football Academy Gbagada completes the top 4 with 11 points and a +9 goals aggregate, with 5 of the goals coming in their 5-2 bashing of next door neighbours Shereef FC Oworoshoki,last weekend.- who are still looking for their first win of the season.

Pepsi Football Academy also on 11 points moved to the 5th position ahead of United Aspirant on goals difference thanks to a comprehensive 3- 0 drubbing of United Aspirant FC in front of their home crowd. Igbado United equally helped themselves to a 3-0 win over FC Ablaze to move 7th in the final round of matches.

Bora Football Academy occupy 9th place while Fortune Academy is yet to improve her fortune with a goaless draw against bottom placed (14th) Barcher Football Academy who are yet to win a game this season, is in 10th while Starlite Academy and Shereef FC occupy the 12th and 13th positions respectively.

ABOUT FAKA LEAGUE: The FA Kiddies Amatuer League is a grassroot, “catch them young” Coperate Social Responsibility (CSR) development programme put together by eminent Sport writers in Lagos in memory of a late colleague aimed at creating a competitive atmosphere for talented young kids to display, improve and develop their skills with the hope of transforming into future Nigerian stars.

Super Stores Score All 3 Goals In 2-1 Win Over Gabros At Onikan.

Stationery Stores football club held on to 2 first half goals, One from Fuad Ekelojuoti and a goal and own goal from centre back Nnamdi Uchechukwu to defeat Gabros International of Nnewi 2-1 at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos on Sunday.

Central defender Uche Nnamdi opened scoring via a header from a well crafted corner kick in the 2nd minute to settle early nerves for the home team. But quickly changed from hero to villain 14 minutes later when he put the ball into his own net for the second time this season to put Gabros on level terms.

However it took just 4 minutes for the “Flaming Flamingos” to get back in the lead. Diminutive attacker Fuad Ekelojuoti calmly finished from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after he was brought down in the area by Nwaigbo Chibueze.

His goal turned out to be the clincher, as both teams failed to convert their chances, although Stores had the most telling chances before the break.

The 2nd half saw Gabros take over the midfield, despite being a man down as early as the 57th minute, when Chinonso Ezuokeaba was given his matching orders for a high boot on Ibrahim Idris 35 yards out as he missed-timed an aerial ball that would have left Idris one on one with the goalkeeper.

The Coach Willie Ndube lead Gabros side maintained their composure and looked the better side in the 2nd half despite being a man down, But lacked the cutting edge to restore parity.

The coach later brought in 2 strikers in the 73rd and 78th minute. But Stores held on to take the much needed 3 points.

Stationery Stores Captain Olatunde Nurudeen said the team played well and was satisfied with how they played. ” We were not carried away with the one man advantage we had in the 2nd half, all we wanted to do was keep our shape. Gabros wanted the game but we already had the advantage and didn’t want to lose it”.

Loveday Omoruyi – Head Coach Stores

Head coach Loveday Omoruyi echoed his captain with his satisfaction for his team’s performance. He said ” The boys played well, we had 2 injured players after we had made all our substitutions, they were just there to make up the numbers for us. That explains why we couldn’t take advantage of the extra man we had on the pitch”. Loveday also dismissed allegations of biased officiating “I don’t know where they got that from. We all watched the game. The goal we scored was a clean goal and the penalty we got was well deserved and the red card decision was justified”.

Willie Udube – Technical Adviser Gabros

Gabros International Head Coach Willie Ndube complained about the officiating but went on to praise his opponents for their improvement. “They are a much better side since Loveday took over, when they came to Nnewi we could have beaten them with as much as 7, but for the heroics of their goalkeeper, we scored just one”. He however added that ” Gabros are still on course to gain promotion as they still retain their 2nd position on the log while the win helped Stores stabilise their debut NNL campaign.

Stationery Stores Fc

Stationery Stores Team List

1. Anthony Okoro
2. Adeyemi Kehinde
3. Hammed Sikiru
4. Ekpang Patrick
5. Olatunde Nurudeen
6. Uche Nnamdi
7. Emmanuel Obinna
8. Ekelojuoti Fuad
9. Obanuwa Afetu
10. Shinsinma Monday
11. Idris Ibrahim

Reserves
12. Adebayo Emmanuel
13.Ilusota Daddy
14. Lawal Michael
15. Azuka Fidelis
16. Enudi Solomon
17. Bisong Clement
18. Ogwuche Adah

Officials
Loveday Omoruyi – Head Coach Stores
Dabiri Sodiq – Asst Coach
Ebitimi Collins – Asst Coach
Alao – Asst Coach

Gabros Int’l FC

Gabros Int’l FC Team List

31. Ezekwe Chidiebere
2. Mbonu Ikechukwu
27. Nwaigbo Chibueze
19. Emmanuel Thompson
25. Ezuokeaba Chinonso
23. Nwaiwu O. Stephen
24. Ohanu Michael
14. Chukwude C. Stephen
10 . Nwosu Oluchukwu
34. Aminu Onyekachi
5. Mohammed Egahi

Reserves.
22. Okekem Hunefu
9. Onuoha Uchechukwu
3.Obasi Daniel
32. Nwachukwu Uchechukwu
8. David Timothy
28. Dennis Chidozie
4. Okoye Chukwudubem

Officials
Willie Udube – Technical Adviser
Dopa Uchechukwu – Asst Coach
Orefu Uche – Director
YY igwe- General Manager

Femi Adefeso