WIkki Tourists Football Club FC of Bauchi on Sunday forced visiting El-Kanemi Warriors to a 1-1 draw in a 2023/ 2024 Nigerian National League (NNL)

In the match played at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) both teams struggled for goals and played 1- 1 at the first half and the second half was gooless.

The visitors from Maiduguri broke the deadlock in the 8 minute through Samaila Bello in the net of host WIkki Tourists.

Eighteen minutes into the first half, Wikki Tourists, John Taiwo drew the hosts.

Warriors FC however, dominated proceedings thereafter, but they could not find the back of the net as a result of wastefulness, while the host also made several efforts but all avail in the second half.

In a post match interview, Elkanemi Warriors, Chief Coach Ali Zubairu said he was satisfied with his players’ performance

“Only that we come with the intention of acquiring the three points but end in getting one point but all the same, we are on track,” he said.

The WIkki Tourists FC, Chief Coach Bashir Salleh commended the players for their efforts.

“We also had the hope to get three points in the match but unfortunately we secured a point.

“With the draw we are set for a challenging encounter in Match Day 4 as we travel to Gashua Stadium to face Desert Stars of Yobe State,” he said

Willing Tourists FC have four points from three matches at the ongoing NNL.

As Basketball Stakeholders yearn for the restoration of the glory days of the sport, the Initiator and founder of Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr.Igoche Mark has assured lovers of the Slam and Dunk to anticipate the return of the glamorous championship.

Mark ‘D’ Ball, an annual basketball championship fiester, blends basketball and entertainment; and has recently raised the gold standard of basketball championship, following last year’s edition that has various incentives for participating teams.

Speaking to Sports Journalists at the Weekend, Mr. Mark explained that the  Championship which had indeed helped to resurrect the moribund state of domestic basketball in the country, took a short break due to some circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, as he assures of a return of the championship soon.

“Let me use this medium to inform all stakeholders that the next edition of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship will become a reference point in Africa.

“We are currently working on using a new basketball arena for the championship which was one of the reasons for the break.

“But by the grace of God, we are excited that we have one now as the Mo Arena just opened. So we are in discussion with the owner as we intend to use this magnificent facility for our next tournament, we are returning with a bang very soon.” He said.

The Mark ‘D’ Ball brand and its affiliations have contributed so much to the ecosystem of games in the country, with verifiable proof.

The Initiator of the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Basketball Tournament, Sam Oguche has thanked the CEO of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Harmeet Ahuja for his support towards basketball in Nigeria.

He was speaking ahead of the grand finale.

Oguche attributed the successful tournament to the benevolence of Harmeet Ahuja, the CEO of Bullet Energy Drink.

He insisted that without him, the Sam Oguche Bullet Energy Drink Tourney wouldn’t be possible.

Oguche, a former Nigeria Basketball International is currently organizing the third edition in the year 2023 of the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational Tournament in Abuja with 8 teams participating.

“Today, I stand here to pay tribute to my mentor, my benefactor whose crest I have rode on to contribute this little to basketball development. With his gesture, we have been able to touch so many lives, and also boost the ecosystem of basketball in Nigeria.

” Interestingly, the CEO told me that he will continue to support basketball and sports in general. We are appreciative of your milk kindness through the supportive role you have played.”Oguche stated.

He, however, charged the Basketball stakeholders in the country not to relent on the development of basketball in the country, saying the future is bright for the basketball game.

Recalled that on Monday, Oguche said the winner of the 3rd edition will go home with 1 million Naria, while the runners-up will have half a million Naria for their efforts.