Lagos Legends Basketball Club Targets Continental Domination

 

 

 

President of Lagos Legends Benjamin Peter has set his sight on dominating the African Basketball scene in the near future.

The United State of America based retired player revealed that with the right experience gained over the years in the field of sports and business management, the club management is ready to run the club as a profit oriented business.

 

 

With a near perfect record in the Atlantic Conference phase of the league with just a loss to Comets and a perfect start to the National finals, Benjamin says gaining promotion to the Premier League is non-negotiable.

“Our long term vision is to be the premier basketball club in Africa but in the short and medium term plan, the first thing we want to do is to win the Division One Championship, go to the Premier League and we extend that to the African championship.”

Although, the former Yelwa Hawks and Ebun Comets player would have wished for an early start, but due to factors necessary for a smooth take off, he had to wait until the 2021 league before joining the league.

“You know sometimes, we plan but a lot of other factors are involved and I think this is the right time. We have waited long enough, we have acquired the right experience, we have the resources and tools to create a good basketball programme.”

That is what we are here doing right now and we are very excited about what we are doing and working with the federation, the kids and the community to do something positive”, Benjamin said.

The two time NCAA winner (2007 and 2008) with Oral Robert University assured that they are bringing something new to the table with the experiences garnered home and abroad.

“We have the right set of coaches, and partnership with different organizations both home and abroad. We do believe that we can muster all these kinds of resources and relationships that will allow us to be that organisation that we wish to be.”

He assured that the club will be supporting its immediate community through development programmes for kids and their players.

“We are going to be supporting the players. We are going to be having developmental programs and international friendlies for our players. We do believe that with things like these, we will have a different kind of basketball club in Nigeria and Africa”.

2021 Jordan Nwora Foundation Elite Camp Dunks- Off

 

Organisers of the 2021 Jordan Nwora Foundation Elite Camps have officially announced dates and venues for the inaugural edition of its camping exercise.

The camp is being put together by D’Tigers players, Jordan Nwora who was recently drafted into the NBA by Milwaukee Bucks.

Abuja, Nigeria will play host to youngsters across the country between the 5th and 7th of April as the JNFEC train commences its journey across Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

Kids from the North East zone (Bauchi, Borni, Taraba, Adamawa and Gombe) will converge on Gombe state between the 9th and 11th of April while North Central region (Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa) will hold between 15th and 17th in Makurdi.

For kids in the South East (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo), it will be their turn from the 19th to 21st of April in Onitsha to learn about the fundamentals of basketball under some of the best coaches within and outside Nigeria.

According to the organisers, participation is absolutely free with 60 boys and 40 girls between the age of 14 and 19 expected at each venue. Interested kids and parents have been advised to contact their Zonal representatives on the NBBF board for more information.

As part of plans for a successful camping exercise targeted at providing platforms for the next generation of basketball players to hone their skills, 100 selected campers in each of the cities will be fed and accommodated.

FG Okays Premier Basketball League Resumption

 

After many months of inactivity, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Youth and Sports has informed the Nigeria Basketball Federation that the Men’s Premier League can resume.

This follows the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja striking out the case brought against it by the Management Board of Kwese Basketball League headed by Olumide Oyedeji and others which tried to forcefully hijack the league from the federation.

In a letter signed by Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nebeolisa Anako, the FG said “With this positive judgment, the NBBF is permitted to commence any tournament (Premier League) in the country”.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports in the letter noted that, “On the 26th January, 2021, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja struck  out the above case (FHC/ABJ/CS/1317/2019) which was instituted against the NBBF and the Honorable Minister”.

In view of the latest judicial decision, the NBBF has intensified its hunt for prospective sponsors of the Men’s Premier League after Kwese withdrew from Nigeria business space due to financial reasons.

It would be recalled that the Kwese Management board led by Oyedeji, Chairman of Gombe Bulls, Ibrahim Sa’ad and that of Kwara Falcons, Dr Joseph Adeyemo brought a suit against the federation in 2018 stopping the NBBF from organizing the league.

Despite all the successes recorded by the NBBF in rejigging the domestic scene with the expansion of Zenith Women Basketball League, introduction of the Total Division 2 as well as the expansion of Division One, the injunction on the Premier League made it impossible for the board to replicate its initiatives with the apex league.

--

No Intention To Host 2021 Afrobasket- NBBF

Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, has denied media speculations that it has indicated interest to host the 2021 edition of the FIBA Afrobasket competition. 

In a reaction to some media publications which insinuated that Nigeria was in the race to host the biggest competition on the continent, the board said it was just a figment of some people's imagination. 

Speaking this morning in Lagos, the board through its President, Engr Musa Kida explained that at no time did the NBBF submit any bid to host the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket championship either for men or women. 

"What happened was that at the end of qualifiers in November, 2020 in Kigali, FIBA did approach us asking whether there was a possibility that we could host. We said we needed to come back home and discuss with the authorities especially the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports before we could get back to them on the possibility of hosting." 

Due to the timing and the prevalent circumstances about the Covid-19 pandemic, the federation could not conclude with the Federal Government which put paid to such an idea. 

"We did not conclude on that because it was the end of the year and nobody was available for such discussion." 

He said hearing rumours about Nigeria hosting either of the championships came as a surprise to him and members of the board. 

The Federation's focus had since shifted to FIBA Afrobasket qualification for men (already achieved) as well as adequately preparing the D'Tigers and D'Tigress for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. 

"We were being considered to host but right now, the door is closed and FIBA Africa has already decided that Men's competition will be in Rwanda and for the women, Nigeria is not in the race anymore." 

It would be recalled that NBBF hosted some countries across Africa in 2018 when it put up a colorful display during the second and fourth window of the World Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

Before then, Nigeria hosted the 2005 FIBA Women Championship in Abuja to clinch its second Afrobasket title.

D’Tigress, D’Tigers Open Campaign Against USA, Australia

 

D’Tigress will on Tuesday, 27^th of July square up against USA for its opening game at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics according to the official fixture released by the Federation of International Basketball Associations.

The reigning African champions who missed out of the Rio 2016 games will be presented another chance to prove a point against the team they narrowly lost to at the 2020 Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

Friday, 30^th of August will see the coach Otis Hughley tutored side file out against world number five-France before their last game against host-Japan (10^th) on Monday, 2^nd of August for the conclusion of group B games.

Meanwhile, D’Tigers on the 29^th of July will battle Australia in group B at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo.

Alongside Australia, the number one ranked team in Africa currently on a 9 match unbeaten run in all competitions will also play winners of the Olympics Qualifying Tournaments from Serbia and Belgrade between the 29^th of June and 4^th of July.

Following the completion of the group games, the top two teams in each group and the two best losers will qualify for the quarter-finals.

They will be divided into Group D (best 4 teams) and Group E (remaining 4 teams). The quarter-finals pairings for the men will be decided on 1^st of August with the women’s tournament draws taking place the following day.

Women’s games QF actions will be on Wednesday, August, 4^th before the Semi-Finals and the Bronze Medal Game on Friday, 6^th of August and Saturday, 7^th of August respectively.

For the men, their quarter final games will come up on the 3^rd of August before the semifinals two days later.

The men’s final will be played on Saturday, 7^th while women’s final will be on Sunday, 8^th of August.

Moneke Eyes Eventful D’Tigers Career

 

D’Tigers debutant, Chima Moneke is excited about what the future holds for him and the team following their qualification for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket championship.

Moneke who made his debut for Nigeria against South Sudan announced his presence on the international scene with 8pts and 5 rebounds under 13 minutes as the D’Tigers secured a hard fought 75-70 point victory.

The power forward who plays for Orléans Loiret Basketball club in France, said it was an emotional moment for him, his parents and loved ones as he stepped on the court to represent his fatherland.

“Making my debut for Nigeria was exciting and I am grateful for this opportunity. My parents, my family and friends are all very proud.”

After being named in the 12 man team invited to Kigali for the second window of the qualifiers last year, many Nigerians expected him to make his debut. Due to administrative reasons bothering on registration and eligibility; he had to sit the games out.

With a decent performance in his first three games, the 25year old told Nigerians that they are yet to see the best of him.

He assured that with more time in the team and more games, he will surely get comfortable in the team.

“I am excited to see where this can take me. As I play more games, I will get more comfortable and hopefully get more opportunities to show what I can do”.

Not getting carried away with the recent success, Moneke is optimistic of a long and eventful career for Nigeria ladened with trophies.

“I am happy with the statistics. I am happy with winning and I just hope that I am able to do this for a long time because what is better than playing for your country. I can’t think of anything else.”

Moneke averaged 6pts and 5.3 rebounds after 3 games as he contributed his quota to the team’s unbeaten run and eventual qualification for the Afrobasket championship that will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda later this year.

D’Tigers end 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in style

  

D’Tigers rounded off its 2021 FIBA Afrobasket championship qualifiers with a big 76-56 points win over Mali who struggled to cope with the offensive firepower of the team.

The win which saw the team finishing strong atop group B on a 6-0 run was spearheaded by Nigerian basketball legend, Ike Diogu who posted a double-double performance with 20pts and 11 assists.

With a 42.9 field goal percentage and 3 made treys from 7 attempted shots, Diogu ensured a smooth victory for the team whose immediate focus will be the 2020 Olympics and Afrobasket preparations.

After back to back struggles against South Sudan and Rwanda, basketball fans across the continent saw a different team who extended its unbeaten run in competitive games to 9.

The team mindful of the task ahead came out smoking with Ike Iroegbu and Mike Gbinije leading the offensive in the opening minutes as they raced to a 24-7 lead.

Michael Gbinije ended with 10pts, 5 rebounds and 2 steals as Keith Omoerah continued his rich form in the national colors with 10pts, 4rebs and 3steals on a day that all 10 players who stepped on court scored at least a point.

The number one team in Africa were way better as they out rebounded their opponents 48-39, scoring 15pts from turnovers as against 14 by the Malians.

The team scored 16 fast break points, Mali only managed 7 while the Tokyo 2020 Olympics bound team sank 18 second chance points to cap off an impressive win.

Nigeria topped group B with 12 maximum points. New entrants, South Sudan finished second, Mali third and the host of the 2021 Afrobasket- Rwanda finished bottom of the group.

The players are expected to return to their various clubs on Saturday.

D’Tigers continue 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers unbeaten run

 

Nigeria continued its dominance on the continent with another emphatic 64-51pts win over Rwanda at the ongoing 2021 FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia.

The win which was hard fought came on the heel of a solid defensive display in the second half against a stubborn Rwandan team who led for the better part of the game.

It was all about Keith Omoerah who led the scorers chart scoring 13pts and 6 rebounds while debutant Abdul-Malik Abu came off the bench to contribute 9pts, 3rebs and 1 steal as D’Tigers reaffirmed its dominance on the continent.

Rwanda who will be hosting the next Afrobasket came out smoking  in the first half outscoring Nigeria 22-14, 9-16 to head into half time with a 31-30pts advantage.

D'Tigers turned up the heat and brought their experience to bare in the second half with some impressive defensive and offensive work to neutralize their opponent (14-10, 20-10) and close out the game. 

Chima Moneke continued his fairytale run with the team scoring 8pts, 8 rebounds and 4 steals while Ike Iroegbu dropped 9pts and caught 7 rebounds.

 

 

In his post-match conference, stand-in Head Coach, Mfon Udofia praised his team for their resilience. 

He told journalists that the victory was a pointer to the overall quality of the team with the bench contributing a total of 3 points and 8 assists. 

"It's a tale of two halves. We came out after a slow start; we picked it up, settled down, got stops and got the win." 

One of the most experienced players in the team, Ben Uzoh said he never expected Rwanda to just roll over and give the team an easy passage. 

"Everytime we take to the court, especially here in Africa, everybody wants to give us their best shots. Hats off to the way Rwanda played in the first half, but hats off more for us to regroup during the half time and come out to really play Nigerian basketball. I am glad we came out victorious".

With the 2021 Afrobasket ticket already secured, Nigeria sits pretty atop group B and will face Mali on Friday with a win as top priority in its quest to conclude the series unbeaten.

Akhator blames Covid-19 traveling restriction for Atlanta camp absence

 

D’Tigress forward Evelyn Akhator has shed more light on why she missed out of the team’s camping in Atlanta ahead of the Olympic Games.

In an exclusive chat with NBBF Media, the Flammes Carolo of France player revealed that due to travel restrictions as occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic between US and Europe, reporting to camp was impossible.

 

 

“Unfortunately, I could not leave  France due to circumstances beyond my immediate control. If I left France, it would have been very difficult to come back. So I just had to hold on for my documentation deciding on what to do but unfortunately those documents have not arrived”.

The situation according to her was out of the control of all parties involved because of the national implications and the serious attention being paid to curb and treatment of the virus.

“I could not do anything about it because it was something out of my control, my club side here in France as well as the national team.”

On the latest addition to the D’Tigress team, a member of the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket team of the tournament said the new faces will definitely add the needed depth into the team ahead of the games.

Despite not being present in camp, Akhator said she has played against some of the players and is quite familiar with their qualities and what they can bring to the team.

“I was not present during the training camp but half of the new players were in the teams I have played against in the past. I know Elizabeth Williams. She is a really good player. I played against her in Turkey and also saw her play while in college.”

“For Amy Okonkwo, I played against her when I was in Spain while I played against Oderah while I was in college. I don’t really know much about her now but I am pretty sure she is a good player as well", Akhator said.

With the right preparation, she believes D’Tigress will come out good and be a formidable team in Tokyo.

Nigeria is grouped alongside USA, France and Japan in group B.

2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers: Mfon Udofia to lead D’Tigers to Tunisia

 

The leadership of Nigeria Basketball Federation has officially confirmed that coach Mfon Udofia will be saddled with the responsibility of leading D’Tigers to the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia.

Mfon who joined the senior men’s national team technical crew just before the 2019 FIBA World Cup will fill in for Head Coach, Mike Brown, currently tied down by Golden State Warriors.

On the other hand, Coach Alex Nwora who remains a vital part of the D’Tigers’ crew will also be missing due to family and personal reasons.

Making the announcement, NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida said, “Mike Brown is doing his primary job and occupied at this time as the assistant coach with Golden State Warriors”.

“Coach Alex is staying back for very personal and intimate reasons which we understand. Our head coach to Tunisia will be Mfon Udofia.”

He expressed utmost confidence that the absence of the two coaches will in no way affect the team’s outing as he described Udofia who tried out with D’Tigers prior to the 2016 Olympics as a capable hand.

“He was with us at the World Cup. They are all hands we are very used to. Our General Manager, Musa Adamu will be there and of course the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Federation, Babs Ogunade.”

“So, we have a rolling belt. We can pick people as they are available which will not stop us from having a good show”, Kida assured.

The 31 years old retired point guard is currently an assistant coach with Skyhawks in the NBA G League and he is set to become the youngest ever coach to handle the Senior men’s national team of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Sportsville Media Communication presented an Award of Excellence to the NBBF President for his continued effort in developing basketball in Nigeria and putting the country on the global map.

The organisation marking its 20th year anniversary said Kida and nine others were deemed worthy of the award after careful deliberation and selection by the award committee headed by seasoned journalist and former Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, Tony Ubani.

In his reaction, Kida who was on ground to pick up the award thanked the organisers for deeming him fit which is a validation of what the board has been able to achieve in the last three years.

For him, the award is a call for better results and renewed dedication because, “To whom much is given, more is expected”.

 

NBBF Invites 16 Basketball Players To D'Tigress Camp

 

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has invited 16 players to Atlanta for a 10 day training camp as preparation commences for the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

Training camp to be held at Fairfield Inn & Suites, Atlanta will start on Sunday, 31st of January and end on Monday, 8th, of February.

The list is headlined by centre, Elizabeth Williams who plays for Atlanta Dreams in the WNBA and 26th overall draft pick, Erica Ogwumike, Minnesota Lynx who are part of the five new faces joining the team.

 

 

 

Nicole Enabosi will have another chance to be a part of the team after missing out of the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain due to injury she suffered while with the team.

Forward, Amy Okonkwo with Club Deportivo Zamarat, Spain has also been invited alongside Oderah Chidom, with Tsmoki-Minsk BC of Bulgaria as well as Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah with Pallacanestro Vigarano of Italy.

Most Valuable Player of the 2020 Afrobasket, Ezinne Kalu who plays for Landerneau BB makes a return to the team with Promise Amukamara (Charnay BB) and Evelyn Akhator (Flammes Carolo) all based in France.

Team captain, Adaora Elonu (Uni Girona CB) will lead the Spanish legion which has Elo Edeferioka (Celta de Vigo Baloncesto) and Atonye Nyingifa (Ensino Lugo Club de Baloncesto)

Coach Otis Hughley also handed an invitation to Sarah Ogoke, Sarah Imovbioh (Basketball Club Namur-Capital, Belgium), 20 year old guard, Elizabeth Balogun with Louisville Cardinals as well as Kosovo Superleague side, KB Bashkimi new signing and four time FIBA Afrobasket winner, Aisha Balarabe.

Rasheed Sulaimon Out of 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers

 

 

 

 

Casademont Zaragoza Shooting Guard, Rasheed Sulaimon has been ruled out of D'Tigers' 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers due to injury.

Sulaimon who was included in the 20 man list earlier released by the team's head coach, Mike Brown will no longer play any part in the qualifiers to be decided this month due to a torn muscle in his left abdomen and  a leg injury.

The basketball player, whose team is currently topping Group D after 2 games in the Euro League expressed his disappointment over the injury that ruled him out basketball action for 6 to 8 weeks.

"This is so disappointing for me as I would have loved to join up with the team for the qualifiers and play my part. I was looking forward to my debut for Nigeria but that will have to be put off till another time.

"Right now, I am staying positive and focusing on recovering from the injury and coming back stronger and better. Athletes will always get injured, but how you react to these setbacks sets you apart."

Meanwhile the final training camp will open in Kigali on the Monday, November, 23rd, before the team's first match.

Nigeria will face host- Rwanda, Mali and Algeria which recently withdrew from the qualifiers.

2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers: D'Tigers final camp opens on Nov 23rd

 

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced that final camping for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers will commence on November 23, 2020.

Making this known in Abuja, the NBBF Secretary General, Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi said players are expected to fly into Kigali.

On the duration of the final camping exercise, the NBBF President, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida revealed that the federation would have loved to have a longer final training camp for the qualifiers, but due to the prevailing factors, camp will have to open four days before the team's first game.

"Longer camping period would have been the best option for the team. It would have enabled the boys to have enough time to blend under Coach Mike Brown.

"Some of the players are preparing for the new season with their clubs while some are actively involved in the Euro League, so we cannot snatch them away for long."

The NBBF President also explained that the financial implication on the federation also discouraged any attempt to embark on an extended final camping exercise.

"We have to be honest with ourselves as a federation. Funding is a key determinant for most of our plans and programs. According to the popular saying, cut your coat according to your size, but for us at the federation, it is cutting our cost according to our cloth. Maybe in future, when our financial fortunes improve, we can camp players for as long as necessary".

Players have been invited by the Technical crew after series of mini scouting by the technical crew with 12 expected to make the final list.

With adequate plans already put in place by the federation, it is expected that the team will have a hitch free qualification

The team is grouped alongside host- Rwanda, Mali and Algeria who recently withdrew from the qualifiers taking place between 27th to 29th of November in Kigali.

I cried when I got invited to D’Tigers- Chima Moneke

 

D'Tigers invitee, Chima Moneke is over the moon after being named in the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket 20 man provisional list.

In an interview with NBBF media, Moneke revealed that he got emotional and cried when he was contacted and invited by the federation.

The Power Forward who plays for Orléans Loiret Basket in France said it was difficult to control his emotions when he got called up.

"It was a very emotional moment. I cried when I got the call. I called all of my friends, the people that I love, the people who care about me and they were very proud of me and most importantly my parents. They cried, I cried. I knew they would get emotion because representing my country is probably more important to them than being in the NBA if I ever get the chance to do that.

He confessed that despite putting in the works, he never expected the invitation which made it more amazing.

"It was an amazing moment and I wasn’t expecting it and it made it sweeter."

Speaking on how easy or difficult it will be to fit into the national team setup, Moneke assured that with his deep knowledge about the team as a fan, fitting in will not be difficult.

"I have plenty of knowledge about the team. I am Nigeria through and through. I was born there and raised. My parents are Nigerians and all my brothers are Nigerians."

"Growing up, it was the Super Eagles but now, it is D’Tigers. I am familiar with almost all of the players. I have been watching every competition Nigeria has been in since I became serious about basketball. I follow the players and I know a few of them personally but I am familiar with most of their games because I am just a big basketball fan in general."

D'Tigers are grouped alongside host- Rwanda, Mali and Algeria who recently withdrew from the qualifiers taking place between 27^th to 29^th of November in Kigali.

NBBF Mourns Razak Okedeyi

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has received with shock the death of Razak Okedeyi whose sad demise occurred on Thursday, 23^rd, July, 2020.

Breaking the tragic news on Thursday, FIBA certified Referee and coordinator of the Nigerian Basketball Referees Council, Kingsley Ojeaburu said Okedeyi died shortly after complaining of a severe headache.

The NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida described the news of one of the rising referees in Nigeria as shocking and very difficult to comprehend.

“I am just speechless. Imagine a young chap who was about to start his journey in life as a man just suddenly dying. Who are we to question in this situation or how are we going to describe this?”

This year has been tough on us all. From the death of loved ones, some stakeholders and the lockdown and suspension of all sporting activities occasioned by covid-19, year 2020 has been a very difficult year.

NBBF’s Vice President and the South West representative on the board, Babs Ogunade in his reaction described Okedeyi’s death as a great blow to the basketball fraternity most especially in Nigeria.

“Dear Lord, he just anchored the recent online South West Zonal Referees training Programme that took place last week and was preparing the Coaches’ training module billed for Monday. This is unbelievable. May his soul find profound peace.”

Razak who until his death was a member of the Nigerian Basketball Referees Council was last in action during the 2019/2020 Total Division One league held earlier this year in Lagos.

He was the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos State Referees Council as well as the founder and Head Coach of Flygerian Basketball Academy.

Nigeria to battle USA, Serbia, Mozambique for Olympics ticket

Reigning African Champions, Nigeria will face World Number One, United State of America, Serbia and Mozambique in the battle for a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

This was revealed at a brief ceremony held in Switzerland today (Wednesday) to officially kick start the Olympics Tournament qualification race. D’Tigress will play in Belgrade after being drawn in Group A.

Reacting to the draw, the Nigeria Basketball Federation President, Engr Musa Kida said qualification for the 2020 Olympics is possible despite admitting that it was a difficult draw.

Being drawn against world number one (USA) and seven (Serbia) surely will not make the job easy but I am optimistic that qualification for the Olympics is possible.”

“The men have already qualified and all eyes are on our women to also join their counterpart in Tokyo. D’Tigress are the reigning African Champions and we hope this will count for something when they start the qualifiers.”

Kida hammered on the need for early preparation for the team if they are to stand a chance in the group.

“We know that tournament of this magnitude costs money, time and proper planning. We are going to be working with the Ministry of Sports and the Honorable Minister, Hon Sunday Dare to ensure that we return to the Olympic Games.”

The last time Nigeria met USA was at the quarter finals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Spain where the D’Tigress lost 41-70 points against the team that later went on to win the trophy.

D’Tigress last qualification for the Olympics was in 2004. A total of 10 teams will join USA (World Champions) and host- Japan from the OQT to be played between 6th and 9th of February, 2020 across four countries- China, Serbia, France and Belgium.

Rivers Hoopers Beat Niger Potters

 Rivers Hoopers cruised to a 107-53 victory over Niger Potters in their opening Group A game of the NBBF President Cup Final 8 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos on Wednesday.

Hoopers shot 31/36 from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc as they extended their winning streak to six games in the NBBF President Cup.

Buchi Nwaiwu led the way with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists from the bench. Nwaiwu made one steal and one block shot in 15 minutes for the KingsMen.

Emmanuel Balogun added 12 points and 4 of 9 from the three point line while Abdul Yahaya and Jackson Enyinna scored 10 points each. Enyinna who played his second competitive game for Rivers Hoopers made a 100% from the field, 5/5 in 12 minutes.

At the end of the first quarter, Hoopers were on a 22 point-lead over Potters who looked disjointed and had no answers for the Port Harcourt side on either end of the floor. The gap was extended to 40 points with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

Balogun had shot 3/4 from the deep at half time while Ronald Alalibo contributed 9 points with 3-of-6 from behind the arc as Hoopers shot 10/20 in the first half.

Solomon Ajegbeyi was a point and rebound short of a double-double, he made nine points and nine rebounds with six assists and three steals to go with it.

The KingsMen made it a 100 point after Ajegbeyi scored a jumper with 2:05 left on the clock. They however added 7 points before running down the clock in the last 10 seconds of the game.

Abdul Ibrahim and Samuel Anthony both combined for 23 points against Rivers Hoopers.

An elated Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu said his team took advantage of a tired Potters side who got into Lagos early hours of Wednesday morning.

“I think fatigue was a major factor for Potters because they arrived at 3am this morning. It will be sometime tomorrow before they get their legs back.”

“We did the little things we were supposed to do. We shot the ball well from the three point line, moved the ball well and ended up scoring above a 100. It is not a test for us and we won’t allow it get to our head.”

Rivers Hoopers will play Benue Braves at 1pm on Thursday.

Other results

Nigeria Army Rockets 63-69 Raptors

Kwara Falcons 78-68 Lagos Islanders

Civil defenders walked over Benue braves who were still on their way to Lagos.

Qualifying for OQT is not negotiable- Otis Hughley

As Nigerians eargerly anticipate the commencement of the FIBA Africa pre-Olympic qualifiers, head coach of senior women national team, Otis Hughley says the team is fully focused on the task ahead.

After masterminding the team to the 2019 Afrobasket title which has seen the D'Tigress climb to the number one spot in Africa according to the latest FIBA ranking, Otis said qualification for the 2020 Olympics Qualifying Tournament (OQT) is not negotiable.

Speaking from the team's base in Maputo, Hughley confirmed that preparation is going on as planned with all invited players ready to give their best when they start their pre-qualifiers campaign.

"We are aware of the task ahead of us. The culture of basketball is fast growing in Nigeria and the people are expecting us to win everytime we file out. These expectations have continued to spur us to want to give our all and represent the country the best that we can."

Speaking further, Hughley said, "We must continue to show the world that we deserved to be the best in Africa and also become one of the best in the world."

According to him, the team ranked 16th in the world can get better and climb higher while achieving greater things as a group.

Nigeria will play its first match against DR Congo on Thursday at the Pavilhao do Mazaquene in Maputo before facing host- Mozambique on Saturday, 16th of November at the same venue.

8 Teams Battle For BAL Ticket As President Cup National Final 8 Gets Underway

Action will commence on Wednesday in the National Final 8 of the Nigeria Basketball Federation organised President Cup as teams battle for one continental slot.

After the first phase of matches decided in Ilorin, Kwara state, the top eight teams- Rivers Hoopers, Niger Potters (Minna) Defenders (Abuja), Benue Braves (Makurdi), Kwara Falcons (Ilorin), Islanders (Lagos), Nigerian Army Rockets (Zaria) and Raptors of Lagos all qualified for the final 8.

According to the fixtures released, Nigerian Army Rockets will battle Raptors in what will be the competition's curtain raiser at 12pm at the Indoors Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Second match of the day will be between Defenders and Benue Braves who got promoted to the elite division last season while Rivers Hoopers will face Potters at 4pm.

The last game of the day will be between Kwara Falcons and Islanders.

The competition will end on Monday, 18th of November with the winner qualifying automatically for the group stage of the newly introduced FIBA-NBA organised Basketball League starting in 2020.

It would be recalled that Defenders of Abuja and Port Harcourt based Rivers Hoopers represented Nigeria on the continent last season.

Rivers Hoopers drawn in Group A of NBBF President Cup Final eight

Rivers Hoopers have been drawn with Niger Potters, Civil Defenders and Benue Braves in Group A of the NBBF President Cup Final 8 starting on Tuesday November 12 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The KingsMen will play their opening Group A game against Niger Potters on Wednesday at 4pm before playing Benue Braves and Civil Defenders on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Hoopers who are on a five game winning streak in the NBBF President Cup will hope to grab the only automatic slot awarded to Nigeria for the Basketball Africa League billed for March 2020.

Kwara Falcons who also finished unbeaten in the first phase in Ilorin have been grouped alongside Lagos Islanders, Nigeria Army and Raptors in Group B.

Meanwhile, Rivers Hoopers have left Port Harcourt for the NBBF President Cup Final 8 in Lagos.