Simplegist

  In his commitment and determination to support access to effective and qualitative education in his immediate community, Ilorin born oil expert and Head of Finance of the NNPC Ltd, Alhaji AbdulKadir Tunji Nagode has doled out the sum of two hundred thousand naira to support Edun Development Association's annual summer lesson. Alhaji Tunji Nagode in his usual character had earlier this year supported the association's annual Ramadan Quran Competition with the sum of 200k and also replicated the same gesture during this year's summer lesson. Responding to development, Chairman of the Education Committee of EDA, Mallam Moshood Babatude Edun, lauded Alhaji Tunji Nagode for his unwavering support for the community, noting that his efforts are worthy of emulation. "From all of us at EDA, we sincerely appreciates and commends Alhaji Tunji Nagode for always rising to the occasion when the need arises, we pray Allah to uphold him and direct all his affairs"  While Prayin...

  Defending champions of the Louis Edem Invitational Basketball Championship, the Kwara Falcons has picked up from where they left off from the last edition, racking up three consecutive wins from their opening three games. The team started  championship with a 36-33  win against Lagos Legends, followed by  victories against Lagos Raptors (49-35) and Police Bombers (43-32) respectively. Falcons will face ASPAC of Cotonou in its last group game tomorrow by 2:00pm where a win will guarantee a place in the semi-finals. Kwara Falcons clinched the championship early this year in February when they outscored  Ghanaian side, Spintex Knights 65-57 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State.

  Chairman of the Kwara State Para-Athletics Association, Barrister AbdulKadir Lanre Aiyelabegan has reaffirmed his determination to engage and expose Kwara Para-athletes to national and international championship as a way of keeping them in top shape ahead of future competition. Barrister Lanre Aiyelabegan stated this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the maiden para athletics championship, organized by the association, held at the stadium complex. Barrister Aiyelabegan who was recently Inaugurated as Kwara Para Athletics Association's Chairman vowed to initiate laudable programs and activities which aimed at keeping para athletes in good shape and moving the association to the next level of development. "We made a commitment that we shall meaningfully engage our athletes, and in fulfilment of these commitments, we have within the shortest time, proposed and actualize maiden edition of Kwara Para Athletics Championship" He explained that the association will not rele...

  .... To Climax Engineering Week with Lecture, Induction, Award on Friday  The Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE has Called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to appoint qualified Engineers to head Engineering-based MDAs in the state to further strengthen the branch's relationship with the state government. NSE Chairman Ilorin Branch, Engr Taiwo Issa Olasehehu made the call while briefing Journalists as part of activities to mark the 2023 Engineering week of the branch. Engr Olasehehu who implored MDAs to comply with COREN acts in the award and execution of projects in the state, said the branch as part of it's social responsibility is always represented in the state's road safety advisory council and has also contributed meaningfully to the new master plan for the state by the Kwara State Government. NSE acknowledged and appreciated the Management of Federal MDAs in the state for always involving it's body in their project bid openings, affirming ...

  Former Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Dr Ahmed Ayinla Jimoh has revealed that soccer can adequately run itself like a business if an enabling environment is sustained by government . Dr Ayinla Jimoh stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin at a special prayer and lecture, titled sports as a unifying factors in multicultural societies, delivered by Prof Oniyangi, to mark his 63rd Birthday celebration. A seasoned educationist and sports enthusiast blamed politics as a factor responsible for the inability to make football a money spinning business, adding that government alone cannot continue to shoulder it's responsibility, hence the need for public and private participation. "Over politicisation of sports responsible for some of the misfortune bedeveling it, government will make money in sports especially in football only if the right administrator is appointed to direct it's affairs" Dr Ayinla Commended Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the ...

  Former provost, Kwara state College of Education,COED, Ilorin, and seasoned soccer buff and administrator, Alhaji Jimoh Ayinla, PhD, has sensationally revealed that his first million ever made was from gate takings of a continental match between home team Kwara United and Zamalek Football Club of Egypt at the Kwara State Stadium. The educationist and former grade one referee made the disclosure on Wednesday as part of remark made during small party in celebration of his 63rd Birthday at his home in Ilorin. Gracing the occasion were his beloved wife, Bola Omowumi, Prof Shuaib Oniyangi, who delivered a lecture on sports as unifying factor, Engnr. Kazeem Jato, who facilitated the Programme in honour of the retired provost and host many other close family friends. Ayinla believes strongly that soccer can adequately run itself like a business. Ironically, another sports administrator in Ilorin, Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports at the state's Sports Commission recently disclosed that s...

 Minister of Sports Development Undertakes Inspection Tour of Moshood Abiola National Stadium _Urges Nigerian Referees to build on recent success, during visit_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh undertook an inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday, to assess the state of facilities in the edifice. The minister, alongside the ministry's permanent secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar were led by Director of Facilities and Stadium Management at the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Engr. Alanamu Abolore, as he inspected all packages of the stadium.  Enoh visited the Mainbowl of the stadium, the Velodrome, facility building, athletes' hostel, Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), Power Technical Building, as well as other facilities in the edifice. Addressing newsmen during the tour, the minister stated that “we embarked on this tour because whatever one wants to do, we have to do it from a...

  Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs that are found to be indebted to Players and or Club Officials stand the risk of not being allowed to complete their registration for the 2023/24 season. In a memo titled "Re-Financial Requirements of Club Licensing Regulation", the Chief Operating Officer of the NPL Board, Davidson Owumi reminded the respective leadership of the 20 clubs of an earlier memo on the subject and declared that provisions of the Club Licensing Regulations would be applied henceforth. The memo dated August 23 read in part, "Refer to previous communications on the above subject and note that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would enforce the extant provisions of the Financial Re quirements of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as it relates to all due payables to players and Club Officials. "It has become necessary to remind all clubs that registration for the season will only be completed on provision of satisfactory evidence of ...

  The Chairman, Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Honourable Rukayat Shittu  has Congratulated Nmanko BSC of Patigi for their exploit and Impressive Performance at the final phase of the just concluded Nigeria Beach Soccer League in Kebbi State, stating that their achievement as the second overall best team deserves commendation. Nmanko Beach Soccer club of Patigi is a private beach soccer team, founded by Kwara North Born Prince, Engr Idris Jibril , the club represented Kwara state in the 2023 Nigeria Beach Soccer League NBSL and came second with 18 points. Honourable Rukayat Shittu Stated this on Tuesday while receiving in audience of the players and officials of the club in her office at the assembly complex. Honourable Shittu who hailed the spirit of sportsmanship and determination exhibited by the players and officials, said the house under the leadership of the speaker, Honourable Salihu Yakubu Danlandi will holistically look at some of the challenges fa...

  ....Promises to Sponsor Italy trip of the team If they win League  Former Kwara state SA Sports and Sole Sponsor of Nmanko BSC, Alhaji Attahiru Ibrahim has surprised the players and officials of Nmanko BSC of Patigi with the winning Bonus of 100k. Nmanko BSC Friday Morning defeated Kebbi United BSC by 4 Goals to 2 to kick off the final phase of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League on a winning note. In appreciation and further motivation of the players and officials of the club to redouble their efforts to win the championship, he instantly motivated them with the sum of one hundred thousand naira as winning Bonus . Alhaji Attahiru Ibrahim who encouraged the team to remain resolute towards achieving their ultimate target of emerging the overall best team, pledged to sponsor their trip to Italy for Participation in the invitation tournament scheduled for September.  Responding to the development, founder and proprietor of Nmanko BSC, Engr Jibril Idris thanked Alhaji Attahiru ...

  Nmanko Beach Soccer Club of Patigi this Friday morning defeated Kebbi United Beach Soccer Club by 4 Goals to 2 in the opening game of the final phase of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League in Kebbi, NBSL. Nmanko BSC of Patigi had promised to dethroned the league leader, Kebbi BSC and they have gradually stated to achieve the mission with the sweet victory against Kebbi United BSC . Seun Ogunlana, higher Goal Scorer of the championship, Adekunle Jamiu and Bashir Taiwo were all scored for Nmanko while Hamza Abubakar and Abdulmajid Maji scored for Kebbi United. Bashir Taiwo was voted man of the match. Speaking after the game, Coach Lawal Oloyede praised his boys for playing to instructions, adding that the remaining two games will be approached with renewed hope of winning the championship. Skipper of the team, Seun Ogunlana fondly called Figo, also expressed appreciation to his team mates for their zeal and determination to emerge the overall winner of the league, promising that effort...

  But for special intervention of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq especially in the areas of prompt salary payment of workers, teachers and coaches at Kwara Football Academy, the facility would have gone under, explained Alhaji Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports and sole administrator of KFA.  Alhaji Bako, the administrator of the academy further said that his intervention has led to special packages used in maintaining facility even though the Academy still remains in dire need of funding to maximize it's potential and plough back revenue into government coffers. He said this while featuring on the maiden edition of the Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk. Mallam Ibrahim Bako explained that the upgrading of facilities such as the hostel, lush green pitches and qualified teachers employed for the students was as a result of the unwavering support by administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He corrected the insinuations from different quarters that the Governor has not support t...

  Eighty percent of transfer money on players trained and groomed by Kwara Football Academy, KFA, go to scouts who facilities trials and consequent sales of the academy product, says Alh. Ibrahim Bako, Director Sports, Kwara Sports Commission, KSC, and sole administrator of the state owned soccer academy. Speaking on Wednesday in Ilorin, the seasoned sports administrators said that while KFA remains the only sports facility remitting revenue to the state government, what is being repatriated in terms of money into government coffers is mere pretence compared to what scouts take on their players. "Where we needed government funding is in the areas of this players being selected for trials by scouts.  "The scouts are the ones who take the responsibilities of these players. Especially when they travel abroad.  "So the academy only lives on few percentage that is left. For example two of our players that are going to Spain, some scouts came to fetch them here, they are in th...

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended the Wife of the President, Distinguished Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu CON, for hosting players and officials of the Super Falcons following the team’s historic performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. The First Lady treated the three available players of the Super Falcons and their officials to a state reception at the State House, Abuja on Monday morning. In attendance were Team captain Onome Ebi, midfield lynchpin Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, a number of technical and administrative officials, the NFF President, NFF 1st Vice President (Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu) and the General Secretary (Dr Mohammed Sanusi).   At the occasion, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu hailed the Super Falcons for their outing at the biggest stage possible, saying their hard work, focus and determination were seen and appreciated by Nigerians at home a...

  Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, has commended Propel Sports Africa as they build up for the OTT live streaming of the elite league ahead of the new season. GTI/TNFF Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, revealed this in a press statement made available to sports journalists in Lagos on Monday.  He thumbed up Propel Sports Africa as they have commenced training of cameramen who will man their AI Cameras to be used for the live streaming of NPFL matches across the country. “GTI is delighted with what Propel Sports Africa has so far done in the past few days by deploying and training young Nigerians nationwide who will be manning these state-of-the-art cameras in the various match venues in the upcoming season. “The crew commenced their trainings from Lagos on August 5, 2023 and later moved to other venues across the country,” Ekejiuba said. However, GTI will continue to work closely with the ne...

  With Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin back at the Kwara State Stadium after a season long exile from home on account of refurbishment work at the facility, a call has been made to the club management to, as a matter of urgency, step up security in the stadium if the club must make maximum gains from its home turf in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier League NPL Games. Making the call, seasoned football administrator and ace journalist, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, said that home support could determine success of the Kwara United this new season and so the facility must be well secured. Chukwuemeka, also Director of football, ABS FC Ilorin, made this observation recently while at the stadium in Ilorin during the Installation of GTI Camera for the live streaming of NPL matches at the state stadium. He also spoke against the backdrop of security concerns at the stadium which has led instances of vandals making away with critical equipments and and properties of traders at sports city in...

  The highest goal scorer of Nigeria Beach Soccer League, Adekunle Jamiu and one of the best players of the League, Seun Ogunlana both of Nmanko Beach Soccer Club of Patigi have expressed their determination not to show mercy to their opponents in the final phase of the NBSL which gets underway in Kebbi next Thursday. Seun Ogunlana and Adekunle Jamiu spoke to 9ijasimple on Sunday ahead of their departure to Kebbi, revealed that their mission to win the league and dethrone Kebbi is unchanged. They asserted that Nmanko Beach Soccer Club will approach all the remaining three games with all seriousness and not be distracted with the Challenges of traveling by road to the Venue. "We are mentally and physically ready for the battle of final NBSL in Kebbi and we're not loosing focus, we are determined see Nmanko Beach Soccer team emerge Champions next Saturday" "As the highest goal scorer of the competition, I will ensure I win the award by scoring more goals",...

  ……. Promises systematic approach to dev sports in Customs Kuti Dare The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi has hailed the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri for investing hugely in the development of sports in Nigeria. The Customs CG gave the commendation during his visit to Governor Diri at the just concluded 2nd Gov Diri National Wrestling Classics in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. He said the Governor transformed the fortunes of Bayelsa state through his huge investment in the sporting sector. Adewale explained that the Nigeria Wrestling Federation has achieved a lot and created records under the dynamic leadership of Governor Diri. He said, “The leadership of Governor Douye Diri is inspirational and very motivating not only for the people of Bayelsa state but young sportsmen and women in Nigeria.  Baylesa state athletes have demonstrated their prowess with wonderful performances that they have a Governor that supports spo...

  .... Club to feature in Italy Beach Soccer Invitation Tourney in September. .. elected Engr Idris as substantive Chairman. Ahead of the Participation of the Nmanko Beach Soccer Club of Patigi in the final phase of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League in Kebbi state, commencing next Wednesday, the club on Saturday unveiled another sets of new Jerseys for it's Players. The Jerseys which were donated by the the Patron and sole sponsor of the Club, Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim, Executive Chairman of Kwara United fc, Kumbi Titiloye, CEO Henry George, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson and FA Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi were unveiled at the Kwara FA House by the state's major stakeholders. In his address at the occasion, newly elected chairman of Kwara Beach Soccer Club and founder of Nmanko Beach Soccer team of Patigi, Engr Jibril Idris applauded various stakeholders, particularly Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim for their unwavering support for Nmanko Beach Soccer, stating that the team is prepare...

  ----Says You Can Watch Live Matches For N120 Basil Kobbani, chairman, Propel Sports Africa and broadcast partner for the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, has stated that AI cameras deployed in 10 stadias across the country for live streaming of matches from the country's elite league features same technology used to broadcast the best leagues in the world in England, Spain and Italy. He also added that with the new camera technology, match viewing will not only be more accessible, but also cheaper, with lots of analytics for coaches and sports marketing potentials Kobbani made the disclosure in Ilorin on Friday during the installation of live streaming equipment at the Kwara State Stadium. "We have these technology installed in NBA in the US, we have it in Serie A, Italy, La Liga, Spain with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, they all have this technology," explained Kobbani. As learnt, the technology has, as it's features cameras from Pixalot, a...

  The Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Musa Turaya has said that he was never under pressure to deliver Kwara Stadium Pitch, currently under going grass planting and grooming ahead of the kick off the league season. Kwara United FC will play on the home turf after being away to Ibadan and Akure last season. But according to Turaya, the pitch has to undergo expected planting processes to ensure their longevity. The Kwara FA Supremo Spoke to journalists on Friday at the state stadium complex, during a light training by Kwara United to test the ground while Installation of GTI Artificial Intelligence Camera for the live streaming of NPL home matches of the club were simultaneously going on. Also commenting on maintenance of the facility which has always been the bane of sporting infrastructure in the country, Turaya explained that there are enough water sources within the stadium environment to adequately maintain the pitch.  He also noted that the l...

  The Leadership of the Kwara State Chapter of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria , RATTAWU has called on the Kwara State Government to Prioritize Media Workers in it's Palliative Policy as it is done to health workers and other essential workers in the state. Kwara RATTAWU in a closed door meeting with the State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, appealed to the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to approve full implementation of weigh-in allowances for workers in the state owned media houses and art sector in accordance with thirty thousand naira minimum wage. RATTAWU explained that approving the allowances will reduce the burden and untold hardship facing the state owned media workers occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal. The Union also raised concern over the inability of it's members of not rising to grade level 17 like there cou...

  Newly inaugurated chairman, Kwara State Basketball Association, Mallam Aliyu Jibril, has revealed that moves have begun to revive Pa Makanjuola Secondary Schools Basketball Championship in the state to further complement other grassroot programmes of the association. Mallam Aliyu Jibril was inaugurated last Tuesday by the sports Commission as the Chairman of the Kwara Basketball Association alongside other members of the board. Mallam Jibril who is the chief operating officer of Out Source Global, spoke to sports writers after his inauguration, said Pa Makanjuola Basketball Competition used to be highly followed event which discovered many players that have represented the state in the national competition. He further promised that the Association will build and consolidate on its achievement of representing the country in BAL Competition in Rwanda with the Support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji.  "Following ou...

  The Management of Shelter Setters Aluminum and Expert  Nigeria Ltd, has Congratulated it's CEO, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Sani over the award of excellence, bestowed on him by the consortium of Universities in Kwara State KU8 on Tuesday in Ilorin. Kwara State Consortium of Universities staged a conference with the theme: Transforming University Education in the 21st Century, role of stakeholders and award of recognition to Individuals who who have unwavering supporting the growth of education,which CEO of Shelter Setters, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani was among.  In a statement from the Head of Corporate affairs of the  organization, thanked the organisers for recognizing hard work excellence and quality service delivery of Shelter Setters, stressing that the award will will further spur the company to consolidate on its mandate of bringing quality shelter to it's esteemed clients . It added that the company will not renege in it's efforts of partnering relevant stakeholders tow...

  Braveman Peremo defeated Ayiba Sesei of Delta State 7 to 4 points in the men's 74kg freestyle final at the indoor sports complex of Samson Siasia stadium on Tuesday. An elated Peremo said his next target is to win a medal for Nigeria at the forthcoming African Games in Ghana. He said the victory at the Governor Diri National Wrestling Classics has spurred him to put more effort into his training. Peremo said, "I thank God for the victory at the National Classic. I feel excited because this is the Lord's doing in my life; I give God the glory. "I never dreamt of becoming a national champion soon but I had hope of winning a national championship because we're there in life, there is hope and the word of God has manifested in my life. "I want Nigerians to expect better performances from me; this is just the beginning of greater things. I am soliciting for the support of Nigerians to make me excel." "With my strength and help from gold, I am going to ...

  BY TITILOPE T. ANIFOWOSHE The Super Falcons never stop showcasing their prowess, concentration, and sharpness while hunting prey on African soil. But at every FIFA tournament, our vivacious and tenacious bird's wings always get clipped outside the borders of mother Africa. Is it the storm that our resilient birds can't handle, or are our feathers simply unprepared for the necessary standard flight to get past the round of 16? Since the Women's Africa Cup of Nations' inception in 1991, Nigeria has won 11 of the 14 matches; Equatorial Guinea and South Africa have only briefly interrupted our dominance. Since the tournament's inception, every alternate Women's Africa Cup of Nations edition has provided a direct entry into the corresponding FIFA Women's World Cup. Nigeria has qualified for every edition of the international competition since the first one in 1991 thanks to our nearly absolute dominance in the continental championship. The Super Falcons came in...

  Newly Inaugurated Chairman of the Kwara State Volleyball Association, Bashorun Kayode Bankole has stated a monthly subvention would enhance efficiency of the state sports associations. Kayode Bankole who spoke to sports writers after his inauguration on Tuesday said if the state Government can graciously approve subvention for various Sports Associations, it will minimize frequent requests for fund to attend championship and competition. While applauding Governor AbdulRahman  AbdulRazaq for sustaining an enabling environment for sports development, He noted that the subvention will also cater for the state's athletes allowances, stipends and safely keep them with the commission against pouching from other states. Bankole emphasized that Volleyball is doing  very well in the state and the association is planning to have a state League among 16 Local Government areas as a template to Produce enough players to rely on for state and national assignments. "We are planning to...

  A University Don, Dr Ahmed Aminat Al-Imam has described the unnecessary desired for i phone 14 among teenagers as a Pandemic that must be curbed by all. Dr Aminat Al-Imam spoke on Saturday at Fresh Hotels, Ilorin, at the official unveiling of a book, Unleashed Dreams: a thorny Journey to Tranquility, Authored by an Illustrious daughter of Igbonla Kingdom in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, Barrister Titilope Anifowowoshe. Dr Aminat Ahmed who is from the faculty of life Sciences, University of Ilorin, while reviewing the book expressed worry and concerns over undue passion for material things among Nigerian youths, noting that the ugly trend should be addressed by parents, guidance and other major stakeholders. She commended the author, Barrister Titilayo Anifowowoshe for being an inspiration to many youths, adding that her sojourn in politics, human and community  development as captured in the book will no doubt mentor upcoming generations to the right path. Ear...

  A 37th minute goal, scored from a close range by Sodiq Yusuf ensured Kwara United Football Club secured maximum points against Heartland FC in their second game in the ongoing ValueJet pre-season tournament, at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, today August 5, 2023. The win means the team now has four points, ahead of the last group game against Sporting Lagos, tomorrow at the same.venue, Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.  The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returnees, Heartland FC started on a fine note, but their early efforts were all off target, as Kwara United rose gradually into the game, and pushing the Owerri based club to their half, as they get ocassional lifeline through counter attacks. Attemps by Shola Abdulraheem, Sodiq Yusuf and Paul Samson were perfectly dealt with by Heartland shot stopper, but couldn’t have answer to the 37th minute strike by Sodiq Yusuf, which eventually determined the match. Coach Christian Obi, whose team has lost two matches so far, said...

  Afro Sports Summit: Phreestyle Sport CEO, Shodunnke, other experts draw pathways to Sports Tourism in Africa BrainBehind AMAPRO Football Championship, Shogo Shodunnke was among the resource persons from Africa who spoke at the just concluded 2023 AfroSport Summit held in Accra, Ghana. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Phreestyle Sport on Thursday in Accra Ghana, joined other stakeholders in the sports industries from Africa and beyond to chart the course on sports development in the continent at the event Organized by Africa Sports Center for Data, Research and Technology (ASC). Shodunnke who spoke alongside Director General of Ghana Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi and Mr. Akwasi Agyeman on the topic  'Sports Tourism' harped on the need for Africa to key in the enormous potentials therein Sports Tourism. "I think Sports tourism is a growing trend all over the world, and it's especially exciting to see it developing in Africa with few countries keying into...

  Jubril Baba, assistant coach of D'Tigers, the country's national men's basketball team has explained that the current crop of players being paraded in Rwanda at the ongoing continental tourney are essentially hungry to make name for themselves. Coach Baba spoke at the sidelines of the maiden edition of the Ex-Pro Kwara Secondary School Basketball League at the stadium in Ilorin after being prompted on his take on national women basketball team's performance in Rwanda. D’Tigress have qualified for the final of the ongoing 2023 FIBA women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda. The Nigerians defeated Rwanda, the hosts, 79-48 in the semifinals on Thursday to achieve the feat for the fourth consecutive time. "D'Tigress are very hungry, apparently and already to snap up any opportunity given to them and we must also remember that the team are the defending champion. " Maybe not all of them previously in the team are there now. The new players are seeking to make name...

  Bello Azeez, Secretary, Kwara State Basketball Association, has expressed optimism ahead of the zonal elimination round for the next month's National Youths Festival, saying that the recently concluded Ex-Pro Kwara State Basketball League has thrown up surprising talents for the state's team. The league ended Friday with Unilorin Secondary School, USS, emerging overall winner among three schools who played in the maiden league. Coach Azeez expressed joy that talents with genuine age pegged at under 15 were discovered.  "These are NIN certified players," the coach said, referring to the country's social security identification, National Identification Number, NIN. "We know the National Youth Sports Festival is coming and we have learnt that Ilorin will, tentatively host the North Central conference," explained Azeez. But he admitted that the state has lots of work to do ahead of the fiesta given the struggles by the state's basketball to return to r...