By Silvernews

The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) received a boost on Tuesday as a serving board member, Mr. Ugo Udezue, issued a strong-worded rebuttal dismissing claims that the board elected in January 2022 has completed its four-year mandate.

In a detailed statement circulated to stakeholders, Udezue, who represents the Southeast and chairs the federation’s Sports and Marketing Committee, described as “legally flawed, factually incomplete and misleading” a document titled “State of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF)”, which asserted that the board’s tenure expired on January 31, 2026.

Tenure commencement contested

Udezue argued that although elections were conducted on January 31, 2022, the board did not assume lawful operational authority until October 2022, when it received formal recognition and inauguration from the supervising sports authorities.

According to him, following the election, the board was not immediately recognised, administrative control was not transferred, and an interim structure remained in place.

“A board cannot logically be deemed to exercise tenure during a period in which it neither held recognised authority nor exercised full administrative control,” he stated.

He maintained that tenure should be calculated from the date of formal recognition, not from the election ceremony.

Constitutional authority remains

The rebuttal also rejected claims that there is currently no constitutionally recognised NBBF board in office.

The statement stressed that no Congress has been convened to dissolve the board, no elective Congress has been conducted, no judicial pronouncement has declared the office vacant, and no directive has been issued by world basketball governing body FIBA nullifying the board.

“Media declarations do not dissolve constitutional bodies,” the statement emphasised.

Membership clarification

Udezue further faulted the inclusion of two individuals described as “Concerned Members of the Outgone NBBF Board,” stating that they were neither part of the board elected in January 2022 nor constitutionally installed as members.

He cited provisions of the NBBF Constitution which stipulate that vacancies occur only under specific conditions and that replacements must be selected by Congress.

Allegations dismissed

The board member described allegations of financial mismanagement, undisclosed sponsorship funds and conflict of interest as unsubstantiated, noting that no documentary evidence, audit reports or court filings were attached to the circulating document.

He insisted that governance disputes must be resolved through constitutional processes, including Congress proceedings or judicial recourse.

International considerations

The statement warned that the agitation comes at a sensitive time as Nigeria prepares for international qualifiers in France, cautioning that institutional instability could affect partnerships and Nigeria’s global basketball standing.

Udezue maintained that the board remains the recognised governing authority of the Nigeria Basketball Federation until constitutionally replaced and urged stakeholders to pursue lawful channels in resolving disputes.

..African Champions Draw Germany, France, Others

Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced a 17-players preliminary roster for the reigning Afrobasket champions D’Tigress, ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers taking place from March 11-18, 2026, across four centres; Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), Wushan(China), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Instanbul (Turkey).

It would feature 24 nations competing for 16 top spots at the main event billed to hold September, in Berlin, Germany.

In the preliminary roster, top rated Nigerian female basketball stars such as Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun and Promise Amukamara leads the list of players, selected by awards-winning coach Rena Wakama.

Others are Pius Beggi Idubano, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Grace Efosa, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi and Okoro Ifunaya, Wandoo Hembam, Adenike Olawuyi, Sarah Ogoke, Ayomide Tewogbade, Rita Igbokwe and Blessing Ejiofor.

In the draws held Tuesday in Mies, Switzerland, Nigeria has been placed in the Lyon-Villeurbanne group alongside hosts France, Germany, Colombia, South Korea and Philippines.

Nigeria heads into the qualifiers as one of the four continental champions, alongside Australia, Belgium and USA.

Nigeria begins its quest for one of the top three tickets in the group, with opening game against Colombia on March 11th, followed by consecutive matches against South Korea, (March 12th); Philippines (March 14th); France (March 15th) and Germany, (March 17th).

*Akeem Busari*
Media Officer, NBBF

By Silvernews

Monimichelle Sports, we understand that stadium compliance is defined not only by visible infrastructure but by the reliability of critical safety systems.

Something as seemingly minor as an unserviced fire hydrant can result in a stadium failing Confederation of African Football (CAF) compliance inspection.

Fire hydrants are a frontline component of stadium emergency preparedness, providing essential firefighting support and safeguarding spectators, athletes, and facility assets.

When these systems are neglected—whether through pressure loss, mechanical failure, or lack of routine servicing—they become compliance risks rather than safety assets.

Monimichelle Sports delivers stadium solutions that prioritize holistic compliance, ensuring that life safety systems, engineering infrastructure, and operational protocols work seamlessly to meet CAF standards.

In modern stadium development, excellence is measured not only by what fans see, but by the safety systems that protect them behind the scenes.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Cutix Plc has expressed pride and satisfaction following the formal presentation of the ENIC Tennis League trophy by Recreation Club Orlu to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

Speaking about the ceremony, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Cutix Plc, Uchechukwu Igbokwe, congratulated the club for emerging back-to-back champions, describing the achievement as a clear demonstration of consistency, resilience and proper team coordination.

According to reports on silvernews.com.ng, the event drew top officials, sports enthusiasts, and stakeholders who lauded the club’s performance.

Igbokwe noted that as the long-standing sponsor of the ENIC Tennis League, Cutix takes special pride in the steady growth and competitiveness of the tournament.

He emphasised that the company’s 27-year uninterrupted sponsorship reflects its deep-rooted commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.

According to him, Recreation Club Orlu’s success justifies the company’s sustained investment in the league and reinforces its belief in tennis as a platform for unity, discipline and excellence.

Cutix reaffirmed its determination to continue supporting the ENIC Tennis League and partnering with clubs and stakeholders to further elevate the standard of tennis in Imo State and Nigeria at large.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Two of the youngest competitors at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, eight-year-old David Maxwell and seven-year-old Godwin of Team Rivers, have written their names into the competition’s record books after claiming bronze medals in the chess event.

The youngsters defied their ages to deliver excellent performances against more experienced opponents, showcasing remarkable maturity in the game.

Their podium finish drew applause from officials and spectators, who described their feat as a testament to the growing depth of grassroots sports development in the region.

Speaking after their medal presentations, the young chess players expressed excitement at competing on such a big stage, noting that the exposure has strengthened their confidence and determination to achieve greater success in future tournaments.

They also commended the sponsors, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for supporting youth sports development, as well as the event consultants, Dunamis Icon, for organising what they described as an inspiring competition.

Their achievement further highlights the Niger Delta Games as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young talents, with Maxwell and Godwin already emerging as promising prospects for the future of chess in the country.

By kennedy Onwunali

Blessing Ukoha delivered another outstanding performance for Team Imo at the ongoing Niger Delta Games, winning gold in the women’s discus event and adding a silver medal in the shot put at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Ukoha dominated the discus competition with a commanding display, out-throwing her rivals to secure the top podium finish and further boost Imo State’s medal tally in athletics.

Earlier, she had shown her strength and consistency in the shot put event, where she finished second to claim silver after a closely contested battle with athletes from other Niger Delta states.

Her double-medal achievement has been hailed by team officials as a reflection of dedication, discipline and thorough preparation ahead of the regional multi-sport competition.

By Silvernews

Efforts to transform Imo State into a national sporting hub received a boost over the weekend as the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, led a high-powered delegation alongside the Eze-elect of Odun’Izuoha, Amuzi Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Mr. Vitalis Chikere, to meet with the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, at his residence in Benin City. Discussions focused on establishing a world-class sports facility in Imo State and attracting a NIS structure to enhance technical development, coaching education, and grassroots programmes.

Accompanying Onyeocha and Chikere was Comrade Kennedy Onwunali, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Football Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Silvernews Communication.

Sources disclosed that the engagement followed earlier strategic discussions between Chikere and Hon. Onyeocha, which explored ways to strengthen sports infrastructure, institutional partnerships, and coaching support in the state.

Speaking during the meeting, Onyeocha described the initiative as forward-looking and transformative, noting that the development of modern facilities, akin to those in Edo State, would significantly enhance athlete preparation and talent identification.

Chikere explained that the project stems from preliminary engagements with the Commissioner and aims to restore Imo State’s prominence in Nigerian sports.

He added that hosting a NIS facility would not only advance sports development but also stimulate related economic activities in the state.

The discussions come as Team Imo continues to make waves at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games, with athletes excelling across football, athletics, and para-sports disciplines.

Onyeocha emphasized that the proposed world-class facility would serve as a legacy for upcoming athletes and strengthen the state’s competitive edge in national and regional tournaments.

Onwunali commended the initiative, highlighting that improved infrastructure and structured technical support would redefine grassroots football and other sporting disciplines across Imo.

Observers believe that if the plan materialises, Imo State could soon reclaim its position as a leading centre for sports excellence in Nigeria, backed by modern facilities, technical expertise, and institutional support from the NIS

By Kennedy Onwunali

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and current Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has said that deliberate investment in world-class sports infrastructure during his tenure laid the foundation for the successful hosting of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games in the state.

Speaking in an interview with Silvernews.com.ng during the ongoing Games, Shaibu attributed Edo State’s ability to host a competition of high standard to courage, determination, and a clearly defined vision for youth development.

“Sports was identified as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and social development, prompting massive investment in modern facilities across the state,” he said.

“When the vision was clearly defined, the people, especially the youth, bought into it and took ownership. That made implementation easy. Infrastructure was built, facilities were delivered as promised, and utilisation became seamless because the people saw them as their own.”

Shaibu disclosed that he personally oversaw architectural designs and supervised construction to ensure the facilities met acceptable standards. He emphasized that such commitment guarantees both durability and sustainability, ensuring the facilities outlive political office holders.

He added that without those facilities, Edo would not have been in a position to host the Niger Delta Games, describing the event as a testament to the foresight of investing in infrastructure.

The former deputy governor commended the Games consultant, Dunamis Icon, for coordinating the competition, and praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for providing a platform for young athletes to discover and showcase their talents.
He also commended the present government in the state for upholding the facilities across Edo, noting that their maintenance ensures continued benefit for athletes and the wider community.

Shaibu urged public office holders to prioritise legacy projects that would benefit future generations, stressing that sports infrastructure remains a critical driver of youth engagement and regional development.

The ongoing Niger Delta Games, which has attracted athletes from across the region, further reinforces Edo State’s status as a leading hub for sports development in Nigeria.

By Silvernews

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has attributed the resurgence of Edo State sports to deliberate planning, institutional reforms and collective leadership.

Speaking to Silvernews.com.ng, Shaibu explained that the revival of key state-owned sides, including Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance F.C., followed a carefully structured blueprint anchored on teamwork and long-term vision.

According to him, the administration prioritised assembling a competent team capable of critical thinking and innovation.

“We organised ourselves, brainstormed and developed a strategic plan. Beyond rebranding, we produced a working manual that guided operations and ensured sustainability,” he said.

Shaibu stressed that the turnaround was not driven by individual brilliance but by a coordinated system that empowered professionals to deliver results.

The reforms, he noted, repositioned Edo as a competitive force within Nigeria’s sporting landscape and restored confidence in its football institutions.

He added that the same institutional approach — defined by structure, accountability and shared responsibility — has now been introduced at the NIS, where he expressed optimism that measurable progress would soon follow.

By Kennedy Onwunali

The 2nd Niger Delta Games continues with a full slate of exciting competitions across Edo State on Sunday, 22nd February 2026. Fans are in for a thrilling day as athletes from across the region showcase their skills in football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, and more.

Delta State will be at the center of attention with multiple teams in action, including high-stakes clashes in both male and female categories. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early as multiple venues will host simultaneous events, ensuring non-stop sporting action throughout the day.

“This is a great opportunity for athletes to show their talents and for fans to experience the best of Niger Delta sports,” said a Games official.

Quick Reference: 22nd February Schedule
Ogbe Stadium
Athletics – 8:00 AM
Swimming – 8:00 AM
Handball: Delta vs Cross River (Female) – 9:15 AM
Taekwondo – 10:00 AM
Boxing (Behind Swimming Pool) – 10:00 AM
Tennis – 10:00 AM
Chess (Chairman’s Board Room) – 9:00 AM
Crescent Sports Centre
Football: Delta vs Abia (Male) – 9:30 AM
Wire Road Sports Centre
Volleyball: Delta vs Ondo (Male) – 8:00 AM
Volleyball: Delta vs Bayelsa (Female) – 9:00 AM
Basketball: Delta vs Edo (Female) – 9:00 AM
Basketball: Delta vs Rivers (Male) – 10:00 AM
Etete Sports Centre
Para-Powerlifting – 9:00 AM
Traditional Wrestling – 10:00 AM
Etete Hall
Table Tennis – 9:00 AM