Sports
Ahmed Musa Kida: A Victory For NBBF
Ahmed Musa Kida: A Victory For NBBF
By: James Bwala
Once again, President Muhammadu Buhari has shown that he is indeed a leader that listened to the voice of reason. The move by the President to return the Nigeria Basketball Federation to International Competition has further placed him at the centre of the game as a man who understands achievements and is willing to write his name in gold on the pages of history of basketball in Nigeria.
Very few individuals had wanted to draw back the hand of the clock on the many achievements made by the Ahmed Musa Kida’s board at NBBF but truth they say is light that always shines away darkness. The decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind the two year ban and to return Ahmed Musa Kida and his board on the NBBF front is proof that truth always stands in the light where everyone can see.
Recalled that on May 12, 2022, the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that President Muhammadu Buhari approved a two-year ban from international basketball activities following the unending crisis plaguing the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF following the emergence of the Ahmed Musa Kida as President for the second term.
Also Read: Kashim Shettima: An epitomic genre from Borno
That decision was criticized in several quarters but the Minister stood his ground that it was the best thing to do to save basketball from dying; especially on the home front where there had been little or no activities. This was against the realities on ground as observed by many basketball lovers and concerned supporters of the game.

The hard stance led to the removal of the Nigeria women basketball team, D’Tigress from the roster of teams for the World Cup and was replaced by Mali. There were fears D’Tigers – the male team – would also suffer a similar fate with the men’s second phase World Cup qualifiers also approaching. However, with the reversal of the ban, the men will be able to continue in their World Cup qualification quest.
Before this reversal, the Minister of Sports had sworn in an interim management committee to oversee the running of basketball. However, there are strong indications the Musa Kida-led board will take up the role following their recognition by the international body FIBA.
I believe with the return of the Engineer as the President of the Federation, Nigeria will soon witness more success in its outings. Although there are opportunities missed, I know that the game will turnout for good just as the table has turned. We shall see a more vibrant team and witness speedy achievements as we cover all lost grounds in the game of basketball in Nigeria.
Our hopes on the D’Tigars and Tigress have been rekindled and we are solidly behind the Ahmed Musa Kida board having seen their achievements and records of straight forwardness in the demonstration of leadership of the basketball Federation in its first four years of the administration of the game. We are also sure on a solid footing that President Muhammadu Buhari will look back after he left office to see that he had made the right decision for the game and history will remember him for his great achievements.
There is no need to recall records of the Ahmed Musa Kida as they speak volumes. The Sport Ministry and all basketball lovers in Nigeria can attest to the fact that this is a victory long awaited. We shall continue to call for support for the board and will also continue to show our love for basketball in Nigeria as concerned basketball lovers in Nigeria.
Ahmed Musa Kida: A Victory For NBBF
Sports
Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania
Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania
By: Michael Mike
As the Super Eagles prepare for their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released a prophetic warning concerning team selection and match management.
According to Primate Ayodele, certain key decisions particularly involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen could negatively affect Nigeria’s chances if not handled carefully.
He said fielding Ademola Lookman in the match will not bring the desired impact, while allowing Osimhen to play the entire 90 minutes could work against the team’s overall success.
Speaking on the matter, he stated:
Osimhen should not play 90 minutes. Lookman is not meant to play in this game because he will not help the team.
If these instructions are ignored, it will affect the Super Eagles’ progress.”
At the end Lookman scored the winning goal
Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania
National News
Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event
Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has announced the forthcoming Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China-Nigeria Friendship Cup.
The sporting event is scheduled to take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from October 29 to 31, 2025. The event takes a berth seven years after it inaugural edition was held.
The event, jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the Abuja Wushu Association, aims to foster deeper cultural exchange and friendship between both countries, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, said.
Yang said the Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that promotes peace, respect, and self-development.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Jianxing described the tournament as “a meaningful and interesting event” that reflects the shared cultural values of both nations.
“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity to bring together athletes and lovers of Wushu to appreciate the beauty and spirit of Chinese martial arts.
“Wushu is not merely a competition or a tool for fighting. It is a discipline that teaches self-defence, respect, and the responsibility of the strong to protect the weak.”
Jang added that the event embodies the principles of peace, inner strength, and discipline—virtues that both Chinese and Nigerian cultures cherish deeply.”
He further emphasised that Wushu serves as a bridge of cultural understanding, promoting unity and mutual respect between peoples.
“Cultural exchange is one of the pillars of China-Nigeria relations. Through Wushu, we strengthen mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.
“Our goal is to share the beauty of both our civilisations and help our peoples grow stronger and happier,” he said.
He said “Our friendship with Nigeria ranks among the strongest in Africa. We believe cultural understanding is the foundation of lasting cooperation.”
The Chinese envoy also revealed that the competition will be made a yearly event.
He said the 2025 Championship marks the second edition of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup, following the maiden event held about seven years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted subsequent plans.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” he said. “Let this year’s competition be a wonderful opportunity to share the spirit and friendship of our two countries.”
He reiterated that the event would be conducted under international Wushu standards, supervised by trained referees, and affiliated with the International Wushu Federation (IWUF).
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Mykel Eneduwa, a representative of the Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation and co-organiser, highlighted the broader vision behind the competition.
“Wushu is a tool for peace, respect, and integrity values that help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.
“This championship goes beyond combat. It’s about building character, discipline, and friendship between our two nations.”
He disclosed that the tournament will feature six competitive divisions, including Taiji, Sanshu, Sanda (male and female weight categories), team forms, and creative forms.
“This is one of the few times Nigerian athletes will be rewarded financially for competing in Wushu,” Eneduwa noted.
“The Chinese Embassy’s magnanimity has made this possible, and we are deeply grateful.”
He explained that this year’s China–Nigeria Friendship Cup will feature six divisions, including Taiji (Tai Chi), Sanshou (Sanda), team forms, creative forms, and various weight categories for both male and female participants. Eneduwa added that registration is free, while accommodation and feeding would be provided for athletes during the championship.
Representative of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their sustained partnership in promoting grassroots sports and cultural understanding.
“This collaboration between the National Sports Commission, the Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation, and the Chinese Embassy reflects our shared vision for youth development.
“Wushu instills discipline and self-control—qualities that are vital for our youth,” he said.
He further explained that the event provides a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to channel their energy positively while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.
The organisers invited the public, martial arts enthusiasts, and families to attend the three-day championship. Spectators are required to register online or present invitation cards due to limited capacity at the velodrome.
The event will be open to both professional athletes and newcomers, with special consideration for young participants in the Taiji and form categories, while combat events (Sanda) will maintain an age limit of 17 years and above.
More than 150 athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate. Registration for athletes is free, with accommodation and feeding provided at no cost.
To encourage participation and excellence, the organisers announced cash prizes for top performers — ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second, and ₦200,000 for third, with additional consolation prizes for effort and perseverance.
Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event
News
Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown
Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown
By: Bodunrin Kayode
A former Sierra Leonean veteran reporter James Williams who escaped his country into exile in Nigeria during the reign of President Siaka Stevens has died.
James Williams a renowned sports reporter in the late 80’s popularly known as “Jay Willie” in the National Stadium Suru lere circle in Lagos died in the early hours of the 31st of August due to a protracted illness.
He actually escaped the tyrannical torment of the late President Siaka Stevens with his friend and colleague the late John Kolosa Kagbo who was one of the editors of Prime people magazine an entertainment outfit before his demise.
While in Nigeria, Jay Willie related very well with the sports writers of Nigeria and wrote in several news papers including punch and the rested Prime people magazine then in Ojodu.
He returned to Freetown after the civil war and contributed immensely to the media space of that country before his demise.
Announcing his demise recently, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in a release said it was “saddened to announce the death of their elder brother and senior colleague, Commissioner James Bola Williams (popularly known as Jay Willie), which sad event took place in the early hours of Sunday 31st August 2025 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
“Until his death, James Williams was the President of the Stroke Survivors Association, Assistant Secretary General of the Veteran Journalists Union (VeJU), and a member of the Guild of Newspaper Editors.
“He was also former Board Member, Independent Media Commission (IMC), and former editor of several newspapers, including Premier News; AWOKO; Night Watch and a host of other newspapers” in Freetown where he lived before his death.
Funeral arrangements for the late journalist will be communicated at a later date.
Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown
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