By Akeem Busari

The recent attempt by certain blogs and politically motivated actors to sensationalize the alleged invitation and questioning of Kogi State Basketball Association Chairman and Confluence Kings founder, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, by the EFCC is unfortunate, irresponsible, and clearly agenda-driven.

Beyond the obvious desperation to manufacture controversy, what should concern genuine stakeholders is the dangerous trend of weaponizing media platforms to attack individuals who have genuinely invested their personal resources, time, and influence into the growth of Nigerian basketball.

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has contributed immensely to the development of basketball in Nigeria. His commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots basketball, and talent development is visible from Kogi to Kano and beyond. Through his efforts and support for basketball structures, countless young Nigerians have found opportunities, exposure, discipline, and hope through sports.

Whether through grassroots competitions, club basketball development, or support for national basketball initiatives, Dr. Mustapha has consistently demonstrated himself as a stakeholder committed to the advancement of the game in Nigeria.

That is why it is disappointing to see some individuals celebrating mere allegations and speculative narratives as though guilt has already been established.

Nigeria remains a democratic society governed by law, and the principle of innocent until proven guilty must apply to every citizen regardless of politics, ambition, or personal differences. Invitations or engagements with agencies like the EFCC are not convictions. Public officials, businessmen, and administrators are routinely invited for clarifications and inquiries every day across the country.

Unfortunately, some desperate actors within basketball politics have now chosen the route of sponsored propaganda, smear campaigns, and media manipulation in an attempt to weaken perceived rivals ahead of the 2026 NBBF elections.

The article written by Maxwell Kumoye clearly exposed the political undertones behind the narrative, especially the hurried attempt to connect an unverified situation to the future of the Nigeria Basketball Federation leadership race.

This style of journalism does not help Nigerian basketball. It only deepens division, encourages bitterness, and damages the image of the sport globally.

The current NBBF leadership under Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida continues to enjoy the confidence of major stakeholders including FIBA, the National Sports Commission, corporate partners, and many genuine basketball stakeholders because of the stability, visibility, and international respect Nigerian basketball has attained in recent years.

Rather than focusing on growth, youth development, sponsorship, infrastructure, and player pathways, some individuals appear obsessed with politics, manufactured crises, and personal vendettas.

Basketball in Nigeria deserves better.

Stakeholders must reject the politics of hate, reject propaganda disguised as journalism, and refuse to allow personal ambition destroy the progress that has been achieved collectively.

More importantly, celebrating allegations against fellow Nigerians simply because of political calculations is morally wrong and dangerous. Wishing downfall on others for selfish ambition is not leadership, not journalism, and certainly not patriotism.

Nigerian basketball must rise above bitterness and continue moving forward.

Rivers Hoopers rolled to a third straight victory at the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase I, with a comfortable 75-59 win over Atlantic Conference Group A opponents, Raptors BC, on Tuesday afternoon.

Team captain Victor Koko led all scorers with 16 points but was one rebound short of a double-double. John Idoga contributed 13 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals, while Victor Sunday added 11 points as at least three KingsMen hit double figures for the third game in a row.

After an opening first quarter which saw Rivers Hoopers enjoy a 22-10 lead, Raptors clawed their way back to take the second quarter 19-17, as the halftime score stood at 39-29 in favour of the KingsMen.

Hoopers regrouped to open up a 21-point lead midway through the third quarter, but Raptors rallied through a 16-10 run in the final five minutes to set up an intense fourth quarter.

The KingsMen were able to see out the fourth (16-12) thanks to an improved defensive display, and Eric Okechukwu, who had a solid shift with 8 rebounds, put it down to a concerted team effort.

“We had several discussions during our timeouts,” he explained. “We had to come together to figure out the loopholes and what we were not doing right. We figured it out and decided to distribute the ball more, not play individually, and then we were able to utilise our options to our advantage.”

Okechukwu was one of five players who weren’t among the starting five but made valuable contributions, as the bench accounted for a whopping 42 points (56%).

However, unlike in previous games, the KingsMen gave away 18 turnovers, much to the displeasure of Ronald Alalibo.

“Our performance was below standard today. Inasmuch as we won, there were certain things we didn’t do properly. We committed some unforced errors, and that was down to our attitude towards the game [today],” he stated.

Up next for Rivers Hoopers is a rematch with Hoops & Read, and despite enjoying a dominant 84-58 win over the same opponents on Gameday One, Alalibo thinks his side must double their efforts in order to secure victory.

“We just have to up our first approach,” he said. “It’s quite difficult playing against the same team twice because they would approach the game with a different mindset, having studied your team from the first game. We are also aware of this and are going to find ways to make improvements to our performance from our last game against them.”

The Gameday Four matchup between Rivers Hoopers and Hoops & Read will hold on Wednesday, 20th May, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

By Silvernews

The RIFC Foundation will on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, host an intra-school debate on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for Year One students of Government Technical College Enugu as part of efforts aimed at improving students’ workplace readiness and employability skills.

The debate, scheduled to hold at the school auditorium by 8 a.m., will focus on the topic: “Schools should give priority to Emotional Skills as much as Academic Performance.”

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to strengthen the foundation’s ongoing SEL intervention within the school system while helping students develop critical life and communication skills needed in modern workplaces.

RIFC Foundation noted that the debate format would challenge students to actively listen, manage emotions under pressure, think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with teammates — qualities increasingly demanded by employers.

The foundation explained that the initiative builds on its existing Sports Intervention and SEL sessions at GTC Enugu, allowing students to transition from physical teamwork and discipline on the field to verbal confidence, empathy, and persuasive communication on stage.

Speaking on the importance of the programme, the organisers stressed that social-emotional learning goes beyond classroom theory and must be practiced in real-life situations where students can express, defend, and apply their ideas.

The foundation added that the debate aligns with its broader mission of producing students who are not only technically skilled but also emotionally intelligent and capable of effective communication in professional environments.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has expressed deep grief over the passing of veteran sportscaster and distinguished broadcaster, Richard Asiegbu Snr, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Nigerian media and sports fraternity.

In a condolence message, Imo SWAN noted that the late Asiegbu Snr was one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting whose remarkable contributions to journalism and sports development in Nigeria will remain indelible.

The Association recalled that the late broadcaster served meritoriously in different capacities, including as a staff of Radio Nigeria where he became an iconic voice on the Network Service sports programmes, rising to the position of Deputy Director, Sports and Outside Broadcast before his retirement from the Federal Civil Service.

He also served as Director-General of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and was a member of the Board of WABMA.
Imo SWAN stated that throughout his career, Asiegbu Snr distinguished himself through professionalism, passion, discipline and commitment to mentoring younger journalists and broadcasters who benefited immensely from his wealth of experience and guidance.

The Association further described his demise on May 15, 2026 at the age of 71 as painful and heartbreaking, not only to his immediate family but also to the entire sporting and media community across Nigeria.

Imo SWAN therefore extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and associates, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and give all those he left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Signed:
Tunde Liadi
Secretary
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter

John Idoga scored a game-high 23 points to lead six-time champions Rivers Hoopers to a resounding 84-58 victory over Hoops & Read in the opening round of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) on Sunday.

The matchup at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, was the first competitive outing for the KingsMen since their narrow defeat to the Maktown Flyers in the 2025 NPBL finals.

Hoops & Read edged a tightly contested opening quarter 17-15, but Rivers Hoopers found their rhythm in the second period to take a 37-31 lead into halftime, powered by 16 first-half points from Idoga.

The KingsMen blew the game open in the third quarter, as Idoga and captain Victor Anthony Koko combined to score Hoopers’ first 14 points of the second half, as they outscored their opponents 30-15 to build a 20-point advantage.

With the victory secure, interim head coach Ronald Alalibo rotated his lineup in the final period as Rivers Hoopers closed out a 26-point win.

Koko finished with 18 points and Abel Offia added 10 for the KingsMen, who had three players score in double figures.

However, speaking after the team captain emphasized that there is still work to be done.

“Good win for the team, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Koko said. “Most of the guys on the team are new players who need to get in tune with the playing philosophy.”

Alalibo echoed his captain’s perspective, acknowledging that building team chemistry will take some effort.

“We’re still a work in progress,” Alalibo stated. “We have a few additions to our team and in our preparations, we anticipated some challenges in team chemistry. We noticed some lapses during the game, and we tried to address them.”

Alalibo who is usually an assistant, is currently calling the shots from the baseline in the absence of veteran tactician Ogoh Odaudu. He described the opportunity to lead the KingsMen as a special moment.

“It feels surreal to be in this position. As a coach, you expect that somewhere along the line you’ll be tasked with leading a team, but it still feels special.”

Rivers Hoopers next face Comets Basketball Club on Monday, May 18, with Alalibo anticipating a tougher challenge.

“We’re expecting a tougher opposition but we’ll try to take it one game at a time,” Alalibo added. “Everybody wants to beat us and we’re aware of that.”

By Silvernews

Coal City Blazers began their 2026 Nigeria Basketball Premier League campaign on a winning note after defeating Edo Beads 74-58 in their opening game at the Benin Centre on Day One of the competition.

The encounter, which was the second game of the day, saw Coal City Blazers execute their game plan effectively against an Edo Beads side that struggled to convert several scoring opportunities.

Coal City took control of key moments in the game, capitalising on Edo Beads’ missed chances and defensive lapses to build a comfortable lead.

Despite flashes of brilliance from Edo Beads, the Enugu-based side maintained composure throughout the contest and dominated both ends of the court to secure the 16-point victory.

The result gives Coal City Blazers an early boost in the race for a strong start to the 2026 NPBL season.

By Silvernews

Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has endorsed Anambra State Football Association Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, for the position of South East Representative on the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Kanu, a two-time African Footballer of the Year and Chairman of Enyimba International FC, said Iloenyosi possesses the experience, leadership qualities and commitment required to reposition football administration in the South East.

The former Arsenal and Ajax star praised Iloenyosi’s efforts in grassroots football development, player welfare and football reforms, noting that the region needs a fearless and dependable administrator to represent its interests at the highest level of Nigerian football administration.

According to Kanu, Iloenyosi has remained consistent in his contributions to the growth of the game and deserves the support of stakeholders across the zone.

The endorsement adds to the growing support for the Anambra FA chairman’s ambition to secure a seat on the NFF board.

Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, veteran tactician Sam Obuh and former Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, had earlier publicly declared support for Iloenyosi’s candidacy.
Football stakeholders in the South East believe the wave of endorsements reflects growing confidence in Iloenyosi’s capacity to effectively represent the region on the NFF board.

By Silvernews

Head coach of Coal City Blazers, Chiedozi Nwoye, has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s debut campaign in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season.

The Nigerian basketball tactician reflected on the club’s preparations following the official commencement of the 2026 NPBL season,
which tipped off on May 16 after an earlier scheduled date of May 9.

The league, organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the League Management Company (LMC), features twenty teams divided into Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.

According to the league format, the 2026 season will be played in four phases — the Group Stage (Home and Away), Inter-Group Stage (Round Robin), Playoffs involving the top eight teams, and the Finals featuring the last four teams.

Each conference has also been split into two groups of five teams each.

The Enugu-based side has been drawn in Group B of the Atlantic Conference alongside Athletes For Peace, Maktown Flyers, Edo Beads and Kwara Falcons.

All Group B matches will be played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The Enugu side will open their campaign against Edo Beads as they seek a winning start to life in the elite basketball league.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Coach Nwoye said the team is fully focused and understands the importance of starting the season on a positive note.

“Our preparation for the game today is great knowing it is our first game. The coaching staff understands how important the match is, and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.

Our preparation for the game today is great knowing it is our first game. The coaching staff understands how important the match is, and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.

Assistant coach, Coach Kingsley Achu, also described preparations as intense, expressing confidence in the readiness of the players for the new season.

The preparation is intense, and the players are set for the league,” Coach Achu stated.

Team co-owner, Ugo Udezue, who is the South East representative on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and CEO of Afasports, said the team is fully prepared to make a strong impact in the league.

The team is fully charged and ready to make a great impact in the league this season,” Udezue said.

The Enugu Side will now look to make a strong statement in their maiden NPBL appearance as they battle for a place among the top teams in the country’s elite basketball league.

By Silvernews

The Nigerian football community and sports stakeholders in Imo State are set to bid a final farewell to former Green Eagles star and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, MON, as his family officially released the burial programme for the late football icon.

Nwosu, widely celebrated as the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad, passed on after decades of service to Nigerian football both as a player, coach and administrator.

According to details released by the family, the burial activities will commence on Monday, June 1, 2026, with a Night of Tributes scheduled to hold at Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, from 4pm to 7pm.

The late midfield maestro carved a name for himself as one of Nigeria’s finest creative players during his illustrious career with clubs including New Nigeria Bank (NNB) and ACB, where his brilliance and composure made him a household name in domestic football.

After retirement, Nwosu continued contributing to the development of the game, serving as a coach with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now Heartland FC, while also mentoring several young football talents across the country.

The funeral programme will continue on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with a Service of Songs at Umukwoma Umuorie-Naze in Owerri, Imo State, beginning at 4pm.

A novelty football match involving Lagos Legends and Imo Legends has also been scheduled for Friday, June 5, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, from 3pm, in honour of the late football ambassador whose impact on Nigerian football extended beyond his playing days.

On Saturday, June 6, funeral rites will begin with a lying-in-state at the Dan Anyiam Stadium before a funeral mass at his country home in Umukwoma, Naze, from 10am to 11am, after which interment will immediately follow.
The burial ceremonies will conclude on Sunday, June 7, with a thanksgiving service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Naze, by 10am.

Until his death, Nwosu remained actively involved in football administration and youth development, serving at different times as a board member of Heartland FC and a coach with Nigeria’s national U-17 team.

Reacting to the loss, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, described the late football legend as a humble patriot, respected sports icon and symbol of dedication whose contributions to Nigerian football would remain evergreen.

In a statement issued by the association’s Secretary, Tunde Liadi, with the consent of Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, SWAN Imo extended condolences to Nwosu’s family, former teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire football fraternity, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.