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Tag: Basketball

  • Solid Heats picks last semi final ticket of the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals

    Solid Heats picks last semi final ticket of the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals

    Solid Heats of Nasarawa have secured the last semi final ticket of the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals going on in the nation’s capital Abuja.
    Heats sneaked into the last four by stopping Numan Super Flames of Adamawa by 71-69 points in the last group A game on Sunday to finish in the second spot behind Alice Gombwer of Kaduna.
    It was a tough outing for the Heats who turn on the heat on the Flames, winning the first quarter by 24-12 points. Flames came back forcefully taking the second quarter 20-19 but still with an 11 points deficit at halftime.
    The boys from Lafia increased their lead by a point at the end of the third quarter which they won 15-14. In the fourth and final quarter, Numan Super Flames were simply super as they closed the 12 points gap to just 2 points as they took the fourth quarter 23-13.
    That effort was too little too late as Solid Heats advanced to the semi final, were they will meet another team from Adamawa, the Lions.
    Adamawa Lions reached the last four after beating ABU Knights of Zaria, Kaduna State in the last group A game on Sunday. Winning by 63-59 points. 17-17, 14-10, 11-15 and 17-21.
    The first semi final is an all Kaduna State affair as Alice Gombwer meet ABU Knights by 2pm today, it will be followed by the encounter between Solid Heats and Adamawa Lions.
    The NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals which started on Friday, ends on Tuesday with the winners of the semi finals meeting for the sole ticket to the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 1 League from the Savannah Conference.
  • Alice Gombwer and ABU Knights shine on Match Day 1 of NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals

    Alice Gombwer and ABU Knights shine on Match Day 1 of NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals

    Alice Gombwer Basketball Club of Kaduna started the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 Savannah Conference finals on a winning note on Friday in Abuja.
    They defeated Numan Super Flames of Adamawa by 64 to 43 points in the first game of the Savannah Conference finals.
    Alice took the first quarter 21-11 but dropped the second quarter 12-15. The second quarter defeat was the tonic Alice Gombwer needed to quench the Flames 19-8 in third quarter and rap up the final quarter 12-9.
    In the second game on Friday, the second team from Kaduna State, ABU Knights of Zaria secured a 12 points margin victory over Village Buzzers.
    ABU started the encounter slowly, dropping the first quarter 13-20 but went ahead to pick the next three quarters 26-15, 20-16 and 21-17 to leave the final score at 80-68 in their qfavour.
    Today, Village Buzzers will be back on the court again to face Adamawa Lions in the second game of Match Day 2.
    The confrontation between Alice Gombwer and Solid Heats of Nasarawa starts Match Day 2 action in the Savannah Conference finals.
    The top two teams at the end of the round robbin league, qualifier for the semi final.
    The winners of the semi finals meet in the final to determine who gets the ticket to the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 1 League.
  • Savannah Conference NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 finals tips of in Abuja today in Abuja

    Savannah Conference NBBF TotalEnergies Division 2 finals tips of in Abuja today in Abuja

    The long-awaited finals of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) TotalEnergies Division 2 League tips off on Thursday at the main Basketball Court of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
    Six clubs, Numan Super Flames of Adamawa, Adamawa Lions, Alice Gombwer Basketball club Kaduna, ABU Knights of Zaria, Solid Heats of Nasarawa and Village Buzzers of Abuja are slamming and dunking for the solo ticket from the Savannah Conference to the first Division of the League.
    The six teams have been divided into two groups of three teams each.
    Numan Super Flame, Solid Heats and Alice Gombwer are in group A while Adamawa Lions, ABU Knights and Village Buzzers are in group B.
    The top two teams at the end of the round robbin league, qualifier for the semi final. The winners of the semi finals meet in the final to determine who gets the ticket to the NBBF TotalEnergies Division 1 League.

  • 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup: D’Tigress accuse “leaders” of corruption, greed as Fiba threatens more sanctions

    Nigeria’s women basketball team D’Tigress, have again expressed their displeasure over the ban placed on the sport by the Nigerian government, which they say is as a result of corruption and greed on the part of certain “leaders”.

    This is coming after the sport’s world governing body, Fiba, invited Mali to replace Nigeria at the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup set to be played in Australia in September and October, following Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from international basketball for two years.

    Mali is the next best-ranked team from Group B of February’s qualifying tournament held in Serbia.

    “We are saddened by the forced withdrawal of @DtigressNG from the World Cup. We hope someday Nigeria will be led by a government without corruption and greed. The future of Nigeria basketball is extremely bright and we are being held back by our leaders,” the team stated via twitter.

    It also noted that the success of Nigeria as “the best basketball country in Africa” can be credited to “players and staff who put their blood, sweat, and tears into their work,” and not the Nigerian Government that placed the ban.

    Fiba said in a statement that Nigeria’s withdrawal was in breach of Article 9.7 of its General Statutes, which states: “National member federations shall manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties”.

    Article 10.2 of the FIBA Statutes added that on the initiative of the Secretary-General, FIBA Central Board may suspend a national member federation for the breach of Article 9.7.

    It further explained that the decision to replace Nigeria with Mali was “to ensure the successful staging of a major international event and to protect the integrity of the competition”.

    “It has become clear that given the circumstances created by the government’s decision, the NBBF is unable to confirm its participation in the Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

    “FIBA will announce whether there will be any other decisions related to the NBBF’s participation in other FIBA competitions and any potential disciplinary measures in due course,” the statement concluded.

    The problems began in 2017 when the then-incumbent Musa Kida and Tijani Umar emerged as leaders of two factions claiming control of the NBBF after two separate elections.

    Issues have continued despite Kida being re-elected as NBBF president in January, a result which was ratified by Fiba in March.

    The Nigerian male basketball national team D’Tigers, have also condemned the ban placed on the sport by the Federal Government.

     

     

     

  • I don’t think I will ever wear the green and white again – D’Tigress player

    Ezinne Kalu, a player of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, on Thursday said she was not likely to represent the country again.

    The D’Tigress point guard said this via her twitter handle, following FIBA’s pronouncement that Mali would replace Nigeria at the upcoming 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia.

    “I don’t think I will ever wear the green and white again,” Kalu wrote.

    Kalu, alongside others, secured Nigeria’s place at the World Cup after beating Mali at the qualification stage in Serbia.

    But they will now be replaced by their African rivals following Federal Government’s suspension of Nigeria’s basketball from international competitions for two years.

    This had come as a result of the ongoing leadership tussle in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

    Other players have also voiced their frustrations on Twitter, blaming Sunday Dare, the Youth and Sports Development Minister, and the NBBF for the ouster from the global showpiece.

    Stan Okoye, who plays for D’Tigers, D’Tigress’ male counterparts, reacted thus: “Wow, what a shame! Greed, selfishness, corruption, all the above. My heart is broken for these ladies.

    “Well done NBBF, Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday Dare, truly an embarrassment.”

    Another D’Tigers player, Chimezie Metu, also described the situation as embarrassing.

    “Extremely alarming. Decades of work have been thrown down the drain.

    “Multiple-time African champions and multiple Olympic/World Cup bids and we don’t get to even participate in the next competition, not because of an athletic inability but because grown men are too busy fighting over money.

    “Absolutely embarrassing.”

    “At the end of the day, this is only a metaphor for what our people are going through in Nigeria. Innocent people suffering because our so-called “leaders” are too busy being greedy,” Metu added.

    FIBA also said it would make known its decisions relating to NBBF’s participation in other international competitions and any potential disciplinary measures in due course.

  • Top 5 most followed sports in Nigeria

    Nigeria has the highest population in Africa and is the seventh most populous country globally. The country has a rich culture, and sport is an integral aspect of their way of life.

    The love for sport knows no bounds in Nigeria. From following their domestic teams in Nigeria to supporting foreign clubs, especially in the British premier league, sports is a huge activity in Nigeria.

    Another way Nigerians express their passion for sport is by wagering on their favorite teams at online sportsbooks. Bet9ja soccer betting is one of the popular options chosen by punters in the country.

    This guide will show you Nigeria’s top five most popular and followed sports.

    Football

    Football is the most popular sport in the country. This sport was introduced to Nigeria in the British colonial era and has gained widespread popularity since then. The passion Nigerians have for football can be seen in the number of football teams available in the country. Virtually every area has a football team, and then there are still a lot of unregistered clubs formulated by young people passionate about this sport.

    Nigeria’s national team, known as the Super Eagles, has qualified six times for the world championship, and this team has given the country some of its most notable sporting moments.

    Apart from being one of the most followed sports in Nigeria, the thrill, fun, and entertainment football brings for Nigerians is also amazing. In addition, it has also provided a platform for having some extra fun by placing bets on the matches, and Nigerians are heavy on betting.

    Basketball

    Nigeria has been involved in basketball for a long time, and in 1964, the country’s national team became a part of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The highest tier of men’s professional basketball in Nigeria is the Nigerian Premier Basketball League (NFP).

    This sport gained high interest in the 1990s when Hakeem Olajuwon became a superstar in the NBA. Since then, there have been many exploits by the male and female national teams, and now Nigeria has become one of the top basketball nations in Africa.

    Boxing

    Over the years, Nigeria has produced a long list of great, professional top-class boxers, including Nojim Maiyegun, Bash Ali, Samuel Peter, Hogan Bassey, and Dick Tiger. Currently, there are more than 300 professional boxers in Nigeria.

    Boxing kicked off professionally in Nigeria in 1947, and it is currently one of the most followed sports by fans in the country. Boxing is also a very productive sport for Nigeria at the Olympics, and the country has bagged up to six medals at the quadrennial event. The recent rise of Anthony Joshua, the successful British fighter of Nigerian descent, also shed more light on the sport in Nigeria.

    Athletics

    Nigeria’s track and field athletes have provided the country with a long history of excellence and success in global and national sports events, including the Olympics. Likewise, athletics has provided many notable moments for sports fans in Nigeria, and over the years, the skilled athletes have, on different occasions, won both bronze and gold medals.

    Table Tennis

    Table tennis is also one of Nigeria’s most followed and popular sports. Many Nigerians love and play the game in different parts of the country. You can find a ping pong table in almost all recreational centers and sports complexes, and those that can’t access a proper setup can always use available resources to set up and enjoy the sport.

    Nigeria is blessed with many notable, world-class, and professional table tennis players, including Funke Oshonaiki, Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri, etc.

    These top 5 sports have come a long way in providing a vast means of fun and entertainment for many Nigerians. Also, apart from watching the sports, many young kids and adults gather around to play them, and it is an excellent way for people to bond with one another.

  • Gregg Popovich breaks NBA winning record

    Gregg Popovich breaks NBA winning record

    73-year-old Gregg Popovich has broken the NBA career regular-season wins record as his San Antonio Spurs beat the Utah Jazz 104-102.

     

    The triumph was the 1,336th of Popovich’s career and saw him surpass NBA legend Don Nelson for total wins.

     

    Popovich, who has led the Spurs to five NBA titles, said the record was “testament to a whole lot of people”.

     

    Basketball is a team sport. All of us share in this record. It’s not mine. It’s ours.”

     

    Popovich, who worked under Hall of Fame coach Nelson at Golden State three decades ago, saw his Spurs side battle back from 15 points down in the final quarter to deliver the record-making win.

     

    The milestone victory was celebrated at home in front of fans who have cheered his sides on for more than a quarter of a century since taking charge of Spurs in 1996.

  • NBBF president hails D’Tigress as team secures world cup ticket

    NBBF president hails D’Tigress as team secures world cup ticket

    Igoche Mark, the President, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has congratulated D’Tigress over the team’s qualification for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

    D’Tigress on Friday qualified for the 2022 FIBA Women World Cup to be hosted in Australia later in the year after a 67-65 win against world number five-ranked team, France.

    The reigning African Champions had put up a strong resistance but bowed to the superior power of China in their opening game, losing 76-90 to the seventh ranked team in the world on Thursday.

    However, the team led by Coach Otis Hughley did just enough in their second game against France as the D’Tigress rallied back from a 17-point deficit in the first quarter to snatch a win and book their second consecutive world cup outing with a game to spare.

    Second quarter saw a more purposeful and dominant D’Tigress crawl their way back into the game with a 16-10 points win to close the first half 27-38.

    Not comfortable with the scores, the team applied more pressure to win the third quarter 21-14 before another impressive 19-13 points finish in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

    Congratulating the ladies, Mark said that the team showed the true Nigerian spirit by defying the odds to beat the fifth best Women’s Basketball team in the FIBA rankings.

    “Congratulations dear Champions,I have never doubted your abilities.

    “Thank you for putting up a good fight. You have made the federation proud, the country is proud by your performance.

    “You defied every odd to beat one of the best basketball team in the world, that’s the Nigerian spirit.

    “You have conquered one of the best in the world and it is now time to step it up a notch as we stand solidly behind you in your next game against Mali. Keep soaring higher,” he said.

    The NBBF boss also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, adding that the team’s victory couldn’t have been possible without their continuous and relentless support for the NBBF.

    NAN also reports that second placed Nigeria will face Mali later on Saturday (today), while France will hope to bounce back when they meet China

  • China cage D’ Tigress 90-67 in FIBA World Cup qualifier

    China cage D’ Tigress 90-67 in FIBA World Cup qualifier

    D’ Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women basketball team, on Thursday, in Serbia lost 67-90 to China in their opening match at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

    The game played at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall, Belgrade, saw the more experienced Chinese take control of the game right from the first quarter.

    In a highly entertaining end-to-end game, China took the first quarter 29-14, second quarter 25-22, and the third quarter 25-16.

    The Otis Hughley tutored Nigerian girls rallied back in the fourth quarter like wounded tigers to take it 24-11, but it was too little too late.

    D’ Tigress top performer Amy Okonkwo made 14 points while Pallas Akpanah finished with 12 points.

    The team was without influential point guard, Ezinne Kalu, who was ruled out of the qualifiers because of injury, leaving the team with only one proven guard, Promise Amukamara.

    Nigeria had been drawn in Group B with China, France and Mali.

    The Nigerian girls will now hope to bounce back against another tough opponent, France, on Friday, as they seek qualification for the World Cup, scheduled for Australia in September.

  • U.S thrash Serbia to reach Tokyo Olympics women’s basketball final

    U.S thrash Serbia to reach Tokyo Olympics women’s basketball final

    A relieved U.S had no difficulty in thrashing Serbia 79-59 on Friday to reach the final of women’s basketball event at the Tokyo Games.

    The victory helped them to maintain their long unbeaten streak at the Olympics.

    The U.S have won eight of nine Olympic gold medals available since 1984 and are unbeaten at the Games since the last of their three losses came in 1992.

    They will target a seventh straight gold medal, which would equal the men’s best Olympic streak, in Saturday’s final against Japan after the hosts beat France 87-71.

    Serbia never looked like causing an upset and were effectively beaten by the end of a first quarter they trailed by 13 points.

    From then the U.S controlled matters and coasted through.

    Brittney Griner led them in scoring with 15 points, a tally matched by U.S-born Yvonne Anderson playing for Serbia.

    But with no teammate also reaching double figures, Anderson did not have the support offered by U.S players Chelsea Gray and Breanna Stewart as her lonely resistance fell short.

    A victory in the final for the U.S would give Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi their fifth gold medals —— the most ever in Olympic basketball.

    “I think everybody here wants to win gold for them, for us, for everybody that’s started this streak that got us here,” Griner said.

    Japan prevailed over the French with Himawari Akaho top-scoring with 17 points.

    France led 22-14 after the first quarter but the hosts stormed back in the next two.

    It meant they were able to ease off a little and save some energy in the final quarter with the Americans waiting.

    The French will take on Serbia for bronze also on Saturday in Saitama.

    The Serbians also finished third in Rio.