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Tag: NBBF

  • NBBF nominates Rivers Hoopers for FIBA Qualifiers

    NBBF nominates Rivers Hoopers for FIBA Qualifiers

    Rivers Hoopers have been nominated to participate at the 2017 FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone 3 qualifiers starting November 11-18.

    This was contained in a letter signed by the secretary general of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Chimezie Asiegbu and sent to the club on Tuesday.

    “I am directed to inform you that the above mentioned competition starts at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos from 11th-18th November 2017. The Nigeria Basketball Federation has nominated your team as one of the teams to represent Nigeria under its auspice in the competition,” read the letter.

    “In the light of the above, you are to convey your acceptance to participate in the competition as soon as possible preferably before 9th November, 2017 at mid-day to facilitate easy administration of the event.”

    The management of the club has since replied the letter sent by the Nigeria Basketball Federation accepting the invitation.

    Rivers Hoopers will join Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls, Mark Mentors and Civil Defence as the Nigerian representatives for the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers in Lagos.

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  • Nigerian Basketballer dies in the USA

    Nigerian Basketballer dies in the USA

  • NBBF holds FIBA statistics training after 13 years

    NBBF holds FIBA statistics training after 13 years

    For the first time in 13 years, a 2-day intensive statistics course and certification was conducted and concluded on Monday by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) in conjunction with the Engineer Musa Kida led Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
    74 participants took part in the latest basketball techniques, rules, interpretation and records keeping during live games, taught by FIBA statistics Chief Arnaud Sevaux with the help of relevant videos and teaching aids.
    Participants at the training held at the indoor sports of the national stadium, Lagos were also taught how to use the latest statistics software which is currently in use by FIBA ahead of the 2019 FIBA world cup qualifiers.
    Event coordinator, Abiola Shomala who spoke at the end of the program thanked the leadership of the NBBF under Engineer Musa Kida for bringing FIBA to Nigeria for the first time in 13 years to train and certify interested Nigerians.
    The move which will afford successful and certified Nigerians the opportunity of getting nominated for future international events was described as the best thing to have happened to basketball in a long time.
    “The turnout was wonderful both from the media, old and intending statisticians which we had never had before. It’s been a wonderful experience. We had the online course and tests as well as the written test for all participants.
    “Another thing they have done for us is to register all participants on the FIBA platform which will open so many doors of opportunities in future. I will describe this as the gift of the year for Nigerian statisticians.”
    Speaking on the next step, Shomala said the training will be taken to the 6 geo political zones with the bigger picture of having all the states having qualified and certified statisticians.
    A retired player turned coach, Umar Bala lauded the initiative of the Engineer Musa Kida led NBBF for opening the doors of opportunities for statisticians in Nigeria.
    He described the training as a great development which is came at the right time in Nigeria.
    “We need to have a high level of participation in all aspects of basketball. Personally, I feel the biggest concern over the years is how some of our players after retirement find themselves in a log jam and they cannot move on with their lives or transit from a player to the labor market.
    Innovations like these are going to create opportunities where retired players will continue in a particular direction still within the basketball family.”
    Meanwhile, the Technical Representative on the NBBF board, Adamu Janlong has assured that more trainings will be organised for Referees, coaches, players, match commissioners and other relevant stakeholders under the new NBBF leadership.
    Results and certificates presentation will be communicated through the NBBF secretariat to successful candidates in the coming weeks

  • Basketball: Mark Mentors, Civil Defenders set to replace Gombe Bulls, Kano Pillars

     

    Mark Mentors and Civil Defenders basketball clubs of Abuja may represent Nigeria at the 2017 FIBA Africa Club championship if Gombe Bulls and Kano Pillars Basketball clubs fail to respond to the queries issued by the federation.
    In a communiqué released today, the NBBF President Engr Musa Kida said the board was not unaware of the debates for and against the federation’s position to replace Kano Pillars and Gombe Bulls basketball clubs who had earlier reported the NBBF to the National Assembly and the FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bille.
    According to the NBBF president, any decision to be taken will definitely be in the interest of fairplay, respect for constituted authority and player’s motivation after some clubs defied the NBBF’s directives not to participate in the Conference 6 and National Final 8 organized by the former board.
    “We have taken cognizance of the views by all parties to the discourse which has included phone calls, messages and advice from a large section of stakeholders at home and in the Diaspora. Kano Pillars and Gombe Bulls stand a very good chance of being picked as Nigeria’s continental representative, but the decision will be dependent on whether they reply our query or not.
    In my last communiqué I reiterated the fact that whatever decision is taken by the NBBF will take into consideration the best interest of Nigerian players, ensuring justice and fair play with the aim of moving Nigerian basketball forward.”
    Meanwhile, the NBBF is expected to come up with sanctions on clubs after a final evaluation of the official responses to the queries sent to teams that defied the federation’s directives.
    The board also commended Mark Mentors of Abuja and Defenders Basketball Club both of Abuja for obeying the directives of the NBBF.
    “Rivers Hoopers attended the Final 6 but did not attend the Final 8 for which it had qualified. All the Clubs were asked to explain why they violated the NBBF’s directive not to participate, but only one Club (Rivers Hoopers) wrote to explain its position.”
    The federation chided Kano Pillars and Gombe Bulls for petitioning FIBA Africa without following the established protocol of passing through its National Federation and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
    “In the case of Kano Pillars, the club took it far by reporting the matter to the National Assembly as widely reported in the media which is beyond the scope of sports interest. However, till date there has been no official statement from FIBA Africa and the National Assembly which is an indication that both protests lack merit.”
    Despite the board’s assurance to protect players at all times, Kida said no club will be absolved for violating the directive of the NBBF with internal administrative sanctions expected to be handed down where necessary.
    He appealed to all stakeholders to trust the new leadership of the NBBF as they continue to change the face of basketball in Nigeria.
    “The Nigerian Basketball family has gone through a lot within a short span but the outcome of the results have shown our commitment to the greater good of the game. We may have disagreements, but this is not unhealthy as long as it ends in an understanding of the issues at hand with a resolution to move forward to a period of greater responsibility and progress.”

  • FIBA: Indoor Sports Hall to wear new look

    FIBA: Indoor Sports Hall to wear new look

  • NBBF lifts sanctions on suspended referees, others

    NBBF lifts sanctions on suspended referees, others

    The Nigeria Basketball Federation(NBBF) on Tuesday decided to lift the indefinite sanctions imposed on some clubs, referees, coaches and players over allegations of participating in illegal leagues in the 2015 season.

    Having established that the indefinite ban on the referees, players and 3 Lagos state based clubs who are part of the traditional teams in the Atlantic Conference was not done in good faith by the former board, the NBBF decided to overturn the sanctions.

    Speaking on behalf of the federation after their board meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday, Engineer Musa Kida said after their fact finding mission and communication with the affected parties, it was established that due process was not followed in clamping down in the team’s.

    In view of this, the NBBF decided to reinstate Lagos Islanders, Dodan Warriors and Union Bank in the league system with immediate effect ahead of the 2018 league season.

    “We were able to establish that the decisions taken by the former board were not in the overall interest of basketball in Nigeria. It’s a strange practice all over the world where an accused is not summoned to defend his actions.

    Obviously, their suspension affected the standard of the league. In the Atlantic Conference, you hardly find fans coming to the venues because of the standard of the league which dropped as a result of these decisions.”

    Speaking further, the NBBF President said the suspensions which dated back to 2016 were not in accordance with any laid down domestic or FIBA rules.

    “There is need to start on a clean slate in order to continue our quest to change the face of basketball in Nigeria. As a board, we are determined to operate and lead with the best interest of the game at heart. Any decision we are going to take will always be in the overall interest of all stakeholders. We will definitely operate with a human face.”

    Affected clubs, referees, players and coaches will be officially communicated with.

  • AfroBasket 2017: D’Tigers devour Cameroon 106-91 to book semi-final ticket

    AfroBasket 2017: D’Tigers devour Cameroon 106-91 to book semi-final ticket

    Nigeria’s senior men basketball team, the D’Tigers, on Thursday whipped Cameroon 106-91 points to move into the semi-finals at the 2017 Men’s AfroBasket Championship in Tunisia.

    According to the official website of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), D’Tigers led the scoreboard aggregate throughout the fiercely-contested quarter-final match.

    The Nigerian side started off early, winning the first quarter 25-18 points, and consolidating on this with a 27-25 points win in the second quarter.

    The Cameroonians fought back to win 27-23 in the third quarter, but it was not enough to upstage the D’Tigers who still led 75-70.

    U.S.-based Ikechukwu Nwamu was the top performer for the D’Tigers with 25 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a steal.

    Ike Diogu also scored 28 points, one steal and a block, while Daniel Ochefu had 10 rebounds, and Ike Iroegbu had seven assists.

    Cameroon’s top performer was Benoit Mbala, who scored 32 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and three steals, but he was unable to help his team survive the claws of D’Tigers.

    In Friday’s semi-finals, Nigeria will meet the winners of the quarter-final clash between Senegal and Angola, which was being played later on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the D’Tigers are the competition’s defending champions.

  • ‘Politics Bane Of Basket Ball Development In Nigeria’

    ‘Politics Bane Of Basket Ball Development In Nigeria’

    The Vice president, Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF), Olumide Oyedeji has expressed disgust over the bad influence of politics in the development of the basket ball game in the country.
    According to him, “the excessive politicization of basket ball sports in the country is actually responsible the continued underdevelopment of the game in Nigeria.”
    Olumide who was a former captain of the Basket Ball national team added that, “those working against the development of the game were driven by selfish  interest and ego, at the expense of national interest and the development of basketball in the country.”
    Olumide in an interview with sports writers at Kano Indoor sports hall, venue of the Kwese Basketball Super 8, Premier league made reference to the withdrawal of Rivers Hoppers from the ongoing tourney, describing the withdrawal as a decision that is politically motivated.
    He lamented that, “if not for egoistic reasons, why should young players who labored to qualify for the Super 8, be deprived the opportunity to showcase their talent,’ adding that, “basketball stakeholders should always reason in a manner that would ensure national interest supersedes personal interest.”
    Speaking on the significant difference between the ongoing Super 8 and previous editions, he pointed out that the atmosphere at the ongoing competition is different, saying it is electrifying, because Kano is the home of basketball.
    He added that, outreach programmes, which comprises a visit to orphanage homes and  those of  elderly persons form parts of this years event.
    “For the first time, we had a welcome party, we have also thought it worthy to remember the less privilege ones, and best be  rest assured that the prizes, this time  is going to over four times bigger than what obtained in the past.” Olumide said.
    Our correspondent gathered that, the winner of the Super 8 would berth as Nigeria’s representative at the African Basketball club championship.
  • NBBF calls up 27 players for Rio Olympics training camp

    NBBF calls up 27 players for Rio Olympics training camp

    The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) on Tuesday in Abuja released its preliminary list of 27 players invited to the men’s national team training camp ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.

    NBBF President Tijani Umar, while unveiling the list at a media briefing, said the Federation had made efforts to ensure the best available players were considered for invitation to camp.

    He listed the players to include Ike Diogu, Jamal Olasewere, Michael Umeh, Chamberlain Oguchi, Benjamin Uzoh, Michael Gbinije and Olaseni Lawal.

    “Others are Al-farouq Aminu, AbdulWahab Aminu, Obinna Ogide, Stanley Okoye, Olumide Oyedeji, Ezeli Festus, Ofoegbu Ike, Braimoh Suleiman and Ibekwe Ekene.

    “The rest are Derrick Obasohan, Stanley Gumut, Usman Abubakar, Nwaelele Daniel, Josh Akognon, Udofia Mfon, Ere Ebi, Antetokounmpo Thanasis, Mbakwe Trevor, Udoh Ekpe and Campbell Folarin.’’

    Umar said the 28th player under consideration presently for the training camp was Victor Oladipo, who was yet to give NBBF his final word on playing for Nigeria.

    “He is yet to give us his final word on playing for us. But he had been in training camp with the U.S. and we learnt he has not made their final list. But we are still awaiting him,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian team, known as the D’Tigers, have qualified for the Olympics scheduled for Aug. 5 to Aug. 21 in in Rio, Brazil.

    They qualified as African champions after winning the 2015 Afrobasket in Tunisia.

    Umar said the players, who were a mixture of home-based and overseas-based players, were being expected to report to camp in Los Angeles or Bakersfield in the U.S. on June 27.

    “Our training camp schedule, which is tentative though, begins with the team’s Head Coach and technical staff engaging on players visitation from June 4 to June 25, ahead of the camp’s opening on June 27.

    “However, the visitation can still throw up a situation where new players would be invited to the camp. We are not ruling this out as we go along.

    “However, the invited players who are in the NBA will join camp on July 1 before the team flies out on July 3 to China.

    “In China, they will play in the Stankovic Cup from July 5 to July 10, which will have China, France and Argentina taking part,’’ he said.

    The NBBF president said the team then would likely head to Melbourne in Australia for games against the hosts on July 13 and July 15 or go to Las Vegas.

    “The team is scheduled to, in Las Vegas, take on Argentina on July 18 and Brazil on July 20, before returning to Los Angeles on July 21 to face China on July 22.

    “After this, the team will head to Houston on July 23 and take on the U.S. on Aug. 1, before flying to Brazil for the Olympics on Aug. 2,’’ he said.

     

  • Ongoing Africa Basketball League is illegal, says NBBF

    Ongoing Africa Basketball League is illegal, says NBBF

    The Nigeria Basketball  Federation (NBBF) on Monday said that it’s attention had been drawn to the unauthorised take-off of an unapproved basketball league.

    The NBBF said that the ongoing Lagos-based league named the “African Basketball League” (ABL), organised by Africa Sports and Entertainment Management Company Limited (ASEMC), was an illegal competition.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Patrick Omorodion, the Media Coordinator, NBBF released to the media in Abuja.

    “For the benefit of the general public, especially sponsors, partners, players, technical officials, media and other basketball stakeholders, only the NBBF has the authority to approve such a league in Nigeria.

    “FIBA-Africa, the governing body of the game in Africa is competent to approve any type of African league and no such approval has been granted by either of the two bodies.

    “The exploratory meetings held by NBBF on the one hand and FIBA-Africa on the other, with the organisers of the ABL has clearly spelt out the conditions to be met.

    “However, none of these conditions have been met to date. The NBBF therefore invites the ASEMC to follow the path of honour by observing due process and obtaining approval from the competent bodies before floating the league.

    “All concerned are advised that the league as it is presently constituted and presented to the unsuspecting and uninformed public is unauthorised, illegal, without a guaranteed basis and fraught with problems.

    “For the proper guidance of the general public, the basketball federations of Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Senegal, and other countries purportedly having teams in the league, have not granted any approval.

    “As a result of these, none of the three teams supposedly from these countries can presently play a home game in Abidjan, Libreville or Dakar respectively.

    “It is our hope that the organisers of this league will strive to meet the conditions set by FIBA-Africa.’’

    The NBBF advised Nigerian teams playing or wishing to play in the illegal league to stop with immediate effect.

    The statement, then added that failure to do so would result in their eligibility to play in the DStv Premier Basketball League, organised by the federation.

    “The coaches and players of such teams will no longer be eligible to work or participate in the national teams,’’ the statement said.