Sports

Basketball: When record speaks for Ahmadu Musa Kida

Published

4 years ago

May 22, 2022

News Net Global

Basketball: When record speaks for Ahmadu Musa Kida

By: James Bwala

The Basketball Federation has never had it so good until Ahmadu Musa Kida came onboard as its President in 2017. The successes achieved within the period of leading the Basketball were remarkable in the history of the federation in Nigeria. Many sport loving Nigerians who knew the federation long before now have been asking how Ahmadu Musa Kida made it where others failed.

NEWSng in its recent findings gathered that the NBBF President was not only in love with the game but had a bond with Basketball that he made such sacrifices no other person would have thought of doing for the game.

According to close associates of Ahmadu Musa Kida, he has put in over four billion naira (N4,000,000,000:00) from his personal wealth to save the federation from the administrative bottlenecks that would have slowed the pace of achievements as in other sports in Nigeria. Out of this amount, about half was refunded while over two billion naira (N2, 000,000,000:00) was still hanging with the ministry for payments.

Also Read: NBBF: Of Two Year Suspension in International Competition

It surprises sports loving Nigerians to understand that Ahmadu Musa Kida has sustained the Federation in virtually all outings including allowances, renting of pitch and hotel accommodation for players and officials, while the ministry continued to play politics with the game.

Speaking recently with a close associates of Ahmadu Musa Kida with information about the running of the federation, Madu Bata told NEWSng that, Ahmadu Musa Kida took the job of running the office of the President, when he won to serve his first term of office in 2017, with great sense of responsibility and commitment, in the sense that he was single handedly financing the activities of the Federation, personally, knowing so well that government bureaucracy will always be a problem in smooth funding as and when due, coupled with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic that grounded economic activities, globally.

According to Madu, “he personally funded both the “D Tigers “and D Tigress” international activities to success, at both continental and global levels, based on his personal commitment and adequate funding for the game.

“That he never waited for the release of funds from the government to adequately prepare the teams and go on tournaments to effectively represent Nigeria, as those approvals came very late, hence the enviable result making Nigeria as one of the greatest Basketball playing nations in the world. He did this, knowing fully well that the credit will go to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Why I said this is because at the time President Buhari was setting up his machinery of campaign around 2015. Ahmadu Musa Kida was then very optimistic that Buhari has what it takes to turn this country around. It was his fervent belief that despite the daunting challenge of fighting asymmetric war and the covid 19 pandemic, the President has been able to emerge very successful at the face of this critical period when the entire world was facing recession and other global challenges.

“The emergence of the D’Tigress as champion of the world was as a result of the commitment Ahmadu Musa Kida put and that was exactly what the country used as its pride in sports by showcasing the first cup the D’Tigress won, during Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary celebration.” Said Madu Bata.

Another personality Abba Kaka who spoke with NEWSng on the current development in the federation said “Ahmadu Musa Kida spent over N4,000,000,000.00 (Four Billion Naira) from his personal resources as well as borrowed funds to achieve the feet in NBBF, out of which only about 40% of such refundable funds were refunded to him as of now. So the allegations being peddled around that he misappropriated the Nigeria Basketball Federation funds are mendacious allegations that have no basis in law or common sense.

“It is strange for one to be accused of misappropriating his refunded funds. Musa Kida has made more personal sacrifices to the Nigerian Basketball Federation than all the former Presidents put together. His contribution include, but not limited to, engaging a National Basketball Association (NBA) of America accredited coach, paying competitive allowances for all the professional players that came to play for Nigeria, other fees required to get the signature of these professional players and to be released to play for Nigeria, hosting Nigeria players in the best hotels around the world and hiring basketball training ground in foreign countries to camp the teams, and other expenses he incurred and never demanded for a refund, as part of his contributions towards the growth and development of the game of Basketball.”

On the elections, Umaru Adamu said pursuant to the election which Ahmadu Musa Kida emerged as president, to serve his second and final term of four (4 )years was transparently conducted, free and fair, and according to the provisions of the NBBF approved constitution, with the absolute approval of the Minister and the Congress of the NBBF, that sanctioned that the elections be conducted in Benin, as approved by the congress of the NBBF.

“The election was conducted live and transmitted across the world,with FIBA officials, the world governing body, monitoring it, and at the end, adjudged to be one of the freest, fair and transparent elections ever monitored.

“For obvious reasons, however, the Ministry has refused to recognize the elections as they claim that another elections were conducted in Abuja, in clear contravention of the approvals of the NBBF congress, the electoral guidelines and the Provisions of the NBBF statutes( constitution), which the Ministry is now using to prevent a smooth transition to another board of a new term( 2022-2026).

“This is totally against the resolution of the Congress and contrary to the directives of the Supervising Minister of the Ministry, for the elections to be conducted in Benin, which the Secretary General of the Federation, a staff of the Ministry seconded to the Federation, flaunted the instruction of the Minister, by deliberately abstaining from the Benin elective congress.

” Let me informed you that Ahmadu Musa Kida inherited the administration of the game of Basketball, as President, from Tijjani Umar, who is a permanent Secretary in the Presidential Villa, who collected over $2,000,000.00 (Two Million Dollars) from Kwesse , the sponsors of the Basketball Premier League, to stage the 2017 league season, when he took over office, then they went to court to stop us from organizing the league for over three (3) years pursuant to which the tournament never held till this year, and the entire amount was embezzled with no record that it has been returned to the sponsors or the Federation’s coffers.

Also Read: NBBF President: Who Is Witch-Hunting Ahmadu Musa Kida?

“I do not know what Tijjani Umar was still doing in government services when he was supposed to have retired by now. We have an insider report on his records of service. We believe it is time to look into the records and see how he might have doctored his age to remain and lurking around. His interference in the activities of Basketball as well as the Ministry is counterproductive to supporting the activities of NBBF; the same bureaucracy that killed football and other sporting activities is now playing out in Basketball.” Said Umaru

NEWSng reports that the frequent unnecessary interference in sport administration by the supervising Ministry is against international best practice in sports, and empirical evidence have shown that the lackluster performance recorded in sport of recent, and Basketball in Particular, is caused by the unnecessary taking over of the Federation’s activities by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, that are supposed to play an oversight function only.

The recent call by the Ministry for the withdrawal of Nigeria from all International Basketball competition for two (2) years is not done in good faith or in the best interest of the game.

Basketball: When record speaks for Ahmadu Musa Kida

News

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

By Barry Kalla

Gombe United’s relegation to the Nationwide League One (NLO) is one that is widely being perceived as a difficult pill to swallow and a rude shock to all football lovers in the state who would have wished it was a bad dream that they should hastily awake from, especially in view of the pedigree of the club and its role in putting smiles on the faces of millions of passionate fans week in, week out.

To them, it is one prophesy they wished was never fulfilled as many football analysts in the state had earlier raised the alarm regarding the manner the club was being managed and handled administratively but the warning was ignored and today, Gombe United has now achieved the opposite of the mandate set for it by the state which is Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ticket.

In the midst of all these, we must never forget the sacrifices that were made in spite of the club’s relegation. One of those sheer sacrifices is that of Coach Yusuf Salihu Alabi whose unmatchable commitment, diligence and true brilliance added value to Gombe United. Coach Alabi, as the Technical Adviser of the club invested a lot of technical know-how which could have paid off if he had enough time. The repairs and technical reforms gave Gombe United the pride of not getting relegated long before now.

Though the mandate of the club wasn’t met, but we must not fail to lavish our commendation where it is most needed and to Alabi, he deserves all the commendations in view of the state he met Gombe United and the impact he made within the short time available.

One of the beauties of life is that it maintains a balance, where every negative situation contains a hidden positive spark and without mincing words, Yusuf Alabi is that spark that must be celebrated for his exceptional efforts in building and rekindling hope at a time that the club was battling the worst performance in recent history.

Somehow, Alabi’s prowess came in good in terms of character building, professionalism, team unity, and rejigging the structural make-up of the team that produced some impressive results that repositioned the team and gave hope to numerous fans of Gombe United.

A quick look at the results, showed that on February 14, 2026 Jigawa Golden Stars defeated Gombe United 2-1; interestingly, though a defeat but it was the first time, Gombe United scored an away goal in months, prior to this match which was Alabi’s first on the job. The away goal was the hope the fans waited for in a long time. The next match was even a better outing as United beat visiting Bichi 2-1, before going to Kebbi to pick a point on the road with a goalless draw.

The other matches were a 1-1 draw with Yobe; 2-0 defeat away to Adamawa United and a 2-0 win at home against Ranchers on April 22, 2026. Analysis of the result under Alabi’s watch showed a departure from the norm of frequent points losses both at home and away.

Alabi further proved that his Confederation of African Football (CAF) B License is not a mistake by winning the state F.A Cup for Gombe United and adding more value to the history of the club.

A glance at Alabi’s coaching and sports certification showed that he obtained his Basic Certificate in football coaching in 2008; Modern Trend in Football Coaching 2009; Youth Football Coaching and Admin 2011; BFUT Level 4 Coaching License (FIFA Endorsed) 2012.
Others include CAF “C” License 2014; CAF “B” License 2017; Pro Football Management Master Class (PFMMC) 2020; Coach the Coaches Refresher Course (Ghana) 2021; IOC Sports Administrator Course 2023; CAF License Coach Educator 2025 and IOC Sports Manager Course 2025.

With such rich CV, he has worked with over 22 clubs across the country before joining Gombe United. Indeed his wealth of experience has helped fortified Gombe United but for time and other administrative ills, Alabi would have restored the glory of Gombe United.

This write-up is to show appreciation to Coach Yusuf Alabi regardless of the circumstances.
We are proud of what he has done and in spite of the relegation his professionalism is not in doubt because he has proven that he can be trusted with any team even in NPFL to deliver the goods.l

barryanya@gmail.com
08037790307 Barry Kalla Gombe United Supporter

The exceptional brilliance of Coach Yusuf Alabi at Gombe United

Sports

Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania

Published

5 months ago

December 24, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

Published

7 months ago

October 22, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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