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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Basketball Promoter and initiator of the Mark D Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, have promised to provide all necessary support to Nigeria representative in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), MakTown Flyer (formerly Lagos Legends Basketball Club).
Igoche made the promise at a grand reception held in Abuja in honour of the team as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the league.
Speaking to the current national champions, Mark declared: “Your victory now is just the beginning, more victories will come. I have been with you on this journey, there is a bigger battle ahead, the BAL, and one thing I can assure you is that our support won’t end here, everything needed to have an excellent outing in BAL will be provided.”
He equally expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel, commending the club’s proprietor, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, a former Mark Mentors player, for his determination and motivational prowess.
According to him; “From the onset he was determined, and with his ability to motivate the team brought them this far. The same way you entered this league and you conquered, is the way you will go to BAL and excel. I have faith that you will go to BAL and come out with a great result.”
Earlier in his remarks, Achii, emotionally recounted the challenging journey that transformed the team into national champions, noting: “It was a tedious journey. I bought the team just two and a half weeks before the league started.
“Getting players, funding, logistics everything was tough. But I am grateful to God and the players,” Achii noted.
The event drew basketball stakeholders nationwide, including FIBA Zone 3 President Col. Sam Ahmed (rtd), NBBF North Central Rep. Adamu Adeshi, Rear Admiral Hazma Ibrahim, NTA Sports 24 GM Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, Osita Nwanchukwu, Engr.Frank Jituboh,Scot Nnaji, NDA Abu, among others.
Meanwhile, NAN reports that Col. Samuel Ahmedu, board member of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the Legends’ grit but acknowledged deep-rooted challenges affecting basketball development.
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“Winning in Port Harcourt is not easy. Rivers Hoopers are strong and experienced, but the truth is, our national league and the BAL are not on the same level. We have to rebuild,” he said.
Ahmedu acknowledged that the NBBF’s prolonged reliance on an abridged league format, now running for over five years has stunted the growth of the sport.
“It is unacceptable and detrimental to basketball stakeholders across the country. We have failed our stakeholders,” he said.
He expressed hope that the next administration would prioritise accountability, structure, and long-term development planning.
Akerannan Manasseh, General Manager of the Maktown Flyers, said the championship run was nothing short of miraculous.
“It was a tedious journey, but we pulled through. We took over this team just two and a half weeks before the league began.
“Navigating challenges related to player recruitment and sourcing funding, it was tough,” he said.
“He said it was a five-year plan. I didn’t know it would happen this soon,” he said, smiling,” he said.
Manasseh said the team is fully focused on making a strong impression at the BAL and remains open to sponsorships and collaborations to strengthen their continental campaigns.
