The sports ministry has announced the dissolution of the Interim Management Committee set up to oversee Nigerian basketball, following an initial two-year ban on international basketball by the Federal Government, The PUNCH reports.
In May 2022, the FG withdrew Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for two years, following the lingering leadership rift in the Nigeria Basketball Federation, saying it was part of government’s efforts to revamp the sport from the grassroots, as well as put an end to the crises that had rocked the NBBF.
Part of the process to resolve the crisis was a 10-man committee set up to oversee basketball leagues in the country.
The ministry, in a statement dated August 15, 2022, and signed by its Director of Press, Manga Mohammed, said, “The Federal Government in addressing the lingering crisis in the Nigeria Basketball Federation had cause to set up an Interim Management Committee following Nigeria’s withdrawal from international competitions for two years,” the statement read.
“With the Federal Government’s rescission from its earlier withdrawal of Nigeria basketball from the international scene and relisting the NBBF beginning from Nigeria’s participation in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Africa Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, the continuation of the IMC is no longer necessary.
“The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development hereby announces the dissolution of the Interim Management Committee for Nigeria Basketball with immediate effect.”
CWG gold medallist Olarinoye, others get ANOCA boost
After excelling at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Team Nigeria was Africa’s most successful team, the Nigeria Olympic Committee has changed gear towards ensuring another podium finish by securing scholarships for its athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The NOC named four latest recipients of ANOCA Athlete Support Programme for Paris 2024, with the athletes all regarded as prospects for the Paris Olympic Games.
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, who is also ANOCA’s Treasurer-General, announced Enekwechi Chukwuebuka (Athletics), Kolawole Omolayo (Wrestling), Ogbonne Joy (Weightlifting) and Olarinoye Adijat (Weightlifting) as the recipients.
Gumel said the funds would support their goals of competing at the Olympic Games.
The four Nigerian athletes are among the 50 athletes chosen by ANOCA as the commission predicated the allocation process on performance criteria and sports and Olympic ethics.
The ANOCA Athletes’ Support Programme aims to provide support for the preparation and qualification of elite athletes with the potential to qualify and perform well at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Speaking further on the ANOCA Athlete Support Programme for Paris 2024, NOC secretary, Banji Oladapo, said, “Chasing an Olympic dream takes incredible determination and talent – these four athletes have all demonstrated they have what it takes. But they also need support to train, compete and maximise their performance opportunities around the world to provide the best opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Paris Games.”
Plug Sports to manage world champion Amusan
Reigning African, Commonwealth and world champion in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has signed a management deal with Plug Sports, a Nigerian sports management company owned by The Plug.
This was made known by the management of The Plug at a session with journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.
Unveiling the deal, Lanre Vigo, Head of Sports, The Plug, noted that it was a dream come true to have Amusan on board.
“I’m indeed very thrilled to announce the signing of world record holder, Tobi Amusan, to Plug Sports. Plug Sports will be looking after Tobi Amusan’s off-the-field interests in Africa. Tobi is a phenomenal person/athlete, myself and my team are looking forward to collaborating with her,” Vigo said.
Speaking further, Vigo added that in the last couple of weeks, Tobi had created plenty of excitement for Nigerians and indeed Africans through her spectacular performances, aspiring young people across the globe to reach for their goals.
Born in Nigeria, Tobi hails from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Her running career began at 15, when she entered and won an inter-house sports competition in the 100m sprint. Amusan was inspired to take up the sport after defeating a runner who was exercising at the local athletics stadium. Amusan is currently managed by Icon Management Inc. in Atlanta, United States and is coached by Lacena Golding-Clarke.
She completed her secondary education in Nigeria at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, before relocating to the USA for her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Some other sports personalities managed by Plug Sports are footballers Henry Onyekuru, Asisat Oshoala and Clement Ugah.
