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Revealed: The Aussie music legend who will pay tribute to Bondi massacre victims at the Ashes Test in Adelaide
- John Williamson to perform at Adelaide Oval
Cricket Australia have confirmed how they plan to acknowledge the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide – and the decision will resonate with many fans.
Iconic Aussie singer John Williamson will perform his famous song True Blue as a tribute to the victims when the match begins on Wednesday. Flags will also be flown at half-mast.
Daily Mail also understands players from both Australia and England will wear black armbands at Adelaide Oval.
‘This is a tragic time for all Australians and the thoughts of everyone in the cricket world are with the victims of this terrible event, their families, friends and the Jewish community,’ Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
‘While sport can seem insignificant at times like this, we have the unusual opportunity to bring millions of people together to pay tribute, to console and to contemplate what we want our nation to be.
‘I’m grateful John has agreed to perform True Blue, which has at its essence the ideal of Australians from all backgrounds sharing the same hopes and aspirations.
Cricket Australia have confirmed how the innocent lives lost in the Bondi attack will be marked when Pat Cummins (pictured) and his team take on England in the third Ashes Test
Iconic Australian singer John Williamson will perform his famous song True Blue as a tribute to the victims – and flags will be flown at half-mast at Adelaide Oval
Both Cricket Australia (CA) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) released a joint statement 24 hours after the massacre in Bondi (pictured, England skipper Ben Stokes)
Mourners are pictured gathering at Bondi after the atrocity that unfolded on Sunday night at Australia’s most famous beach
‘As John said recently, I believe in a multicultural society, one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms.
‘We will continue to look at ways cricket can support and honour those who have been affected by the Bondi shootings and thank those who provided assistance during and since this tragedy.’
Cricket Australia (CA) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) released a joint statement 24 hours after the massacre.
‘Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach,’ it read.
‘All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
‘Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you.’
CA has also confirmed plans are in place to honour the victims during Big Bash League games.
Tributes began on Monday night at the match in Geelong when the Melbourne Renegades hosted the Brisbane Heat, with players standing as one to remember the victims.
‘Australian cricket is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach,’ the ground announcer said.
‘All of our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
‘Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you.’
Pat CumminsAustralia Cricket
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Revealed: The Aussie music legend who will pay tribute to Bondi massacre victims at the Ashes Test in Adelaide
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NNL: Gombe United appoint Abdullahi interim technical adviser
Haruna Abdullahi has been appointed as the new technical adviser of Nigeria National League, NNL, side Gombe United.
Abdullahi steps in after the suspension of Umar Abdullahi Tyabo, who was removed from his post on Monday.
The new coach will serve on an interim basis pending further directives by the club.
Suleiman Usman Kalala has been named chief coach under the new arrangement.
In a separate move, Gombe United confirmed the release of eight players deemed surplus to requirements.
The club expressed gratitude to the departing technical staff and players for their contributions.
Gombe United’s next outing will see them face Jigawa Golden Stars.
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‘Very Much Delighted’ – Alebiosu Speaks On Maiden Super Eagles Invitation
Ryan Alebiosu is delighted with his maiden invitation to the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.
The 23-year-old was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by head coach, Eric Chelle last week.
Alebiosu has impressed for Sky Bet Championship club, Blackburn Rovers this season.
The right-back is expected to play a key role for Nigeria in Morocco in the absence of Ola Aina.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Alebiosu Arrives Super Eagles Cairo Camp
Alebiosu said he can’t wait to make his debut for the three-time African champions.
“It’s a pleasure. Very much delighted, can’t wait to get started and help my nation reach big things,” he told the BBC.
“My family are delighted. As soon as I got the news, I’ve never seen them so happy. Great feeling.
“Nigeria came calling and it’s something I didn’t want to miss. It’s a big opportunity, especially at 23 years of age.”
By Adeboye Amosu
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See the Big Bash League’s biggest overseas star make one of the worst debuts in Aussie cricket history
- They were unprecedented scenes
The Brisbane Heat’s newest marquee signing Shaheen Shah-Afridi has had a nightmare Big Bash debut against the Melbourne Renegades.
Afridi was sensationally banished from the Heat attack by the umpires in his Big Bash League debut for dangerous bowling at Marvel Stadium.
The 25-year-old bowled two full-toss no-balls above waist height in his third over towards the back end of the Renegades’ innings.
Umpires then had him withdrawn from the bowling attack for dangerous play.
The debacle forced Heat captain Nathan McSweeney to step in and bowl the final two deliveries of the 18th over.
Afridi finished with figures of 0-43 in a debut that started with promise but quickly turned into a nightmare.
Pakistan star Shaheen Shah Afridi (pictured) endured a nightmare start to his stint in the Big Bash League
The 25-year-old (pictured) was axed because of dangerous bowling
Renegades opener Tim Seifert (pictured) scored a quick-fire century to help hand the Heat an opening-match loss
His performance has since been savaged by fans on social media.
‘Bowling beamers, leaking runs at the rate of nearly 14, he has a forgettable outing. He should forget as quickly as he can,’ one user wrote on X.
‘He is in (the) wrong profession,’ another added on Facebook.
This isn’t the first time a bowler has been forced out of an attack in a Big Bash game.
In early 2023, Renegades player David Moody was given his marching orders for the same actions.
The first error was a ball directed at the ribs of Scorchers batter Cam Bancroft.
His second mistake was another full toss above waist height to Stephen Eskinazi.
Afridi’s Brisbane side ended up losing their opening match of the 2025/26 season by 14 runs.
Fans have been quick to slam the fast bowler on social media
COMMENT
Afridi (pictured playing for Pakistan) is one of his nation’s biggest cricketing heroes
Renegades opener Tim Seifert starred with a rapid 102 runs from 59 deliveries.
He was supported by middle-order batter Oliver Peake who scored a rapid 59 runs from 29 balls.
The Heat play again on Friday, when they host the Perth Scorchers.
Afridi is Pakistan’s captain in One Day International cricket, and is an integral member of Pakistan’s Test and T2OI teams.
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See the Big Bash League’s biggest overseas star make one of the worst debuts in Aussie cricket history
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Super Eagles Step Up AFCON 2025 Preparations As Camp Swells To 21 In Cairo
The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo continued to gather momentum on Monday night as more players arrived ahead of Nigeria’s friendly clash with Egypt and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers and Raphael Onyedika were the latest names to report at the team’s base, the Renaissance Hotel, taking the number of players in camp to 21.
The quintet wasted no time settling in, joining their teammates for the first full training session at the Cairo International Stadium later in the evening.
Seven more players are still expected to link up with the squad as preparations intensify for Tuesday’s high-profile friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Three-time champions Nigeria and seven-time winners Egypt meet at the Cairo Stadium in a fixture billed as a key dress rehearsal ahead of the 35th AFCON finals, which get underway in Morocco on Sunday.
Both technical crews are expected to use the game to test combinations and assess squad depth before final decisions are made.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has several fresh faces at his disposal and could hand minutes to players such as goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Tochukwu Nnadi, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Usman Muhammed, as well as forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal.
Egypt, meanwhile, are led by Hossam Hassan, one of the tournament’s most celebrated figures. The former striker was the joint top scorer when the Pharaohs lifted the title in 1998, netting seven goals in Burkina Faso. His current side is expected to build around Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who remains in pursuit of his first Africa Cup of Nations crown.
Salah will be backed by an experienced supporting cast that includes Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, the Al Ahly trio of Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, and Yasser Ibrahim, along with Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet.
CAF Champions League holders Pyramids contribute Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, while Ibrahim Adel and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also feature in the squad.
Chelle is likely to lean on a familiar core for Nigeria, with Stanley Nwabali expected in goal behind defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi. The midfield engine room could feature Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while the attacking line is set to include Ademola Lookman alongside the team’s established forwards.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 pm local time in Egypt, which is 7 pm in Nigeria. By Monday night, 23 of the 28 players named in Nigeria’s final squad had arrived in Cairo, with the remainder due before matchday.
After the friendly, the Super Eagles will leave Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fés, where they will be based for the tournament.
Nigeria are chasing a fourth continental crown, having previously triumphed in 1980, 1994 and 2013, with the campaign carrying the slogan NAIJA 4 THE WIN.
They open their Group C campaign on Tuesday, December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, a repeat of the opening fixture of the 1980 finals. Tunisia await on Saturday, December 27, before a final group match against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, all at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.
Egypt, the only nation to win the AFCON three times in a row between 2006 and 2010, are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with their fixtures set for the Stade d’Agadir in Agadir.
Super Eagles’ Players currently in camp
Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and Raphael Onyedika.
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EPL: Man Utd ready to cope without two players going for AFCON – Amorim
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has insisted that his team is ready to cope without two players that are going to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.
The two Man United players are Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo and Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Both Diallo and Mbeumo played their last game for Man United on Monday night as they drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
The duo will join their respective national teams’ training camp this week before the 2025 AFCON kick-off on Sunday.
Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Amorim said: “Amad and Mbeumo will go for the AFCON now.
“We will try to find a solution with the players that we have. We are ready to cope.
“We will try to find a way to score the goals in a different way,” he said.
Meanwhile, the result against Bournemouth leave Man United in 6th position on the Premier League table behind Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
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AFCON 2025: 15 Super Eagles hold first training in Cairo
- Ndidi, Adams, Alebiosu, four others swell camp to 22
- Team off to Fés on Thursday
The Super Eagles have commenced their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, holding their first training session yesterday evening at the Cairo International Stadium.
Paul Onuachu’s arrival yesterday increased the number of players in camp to 15, as head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew begin fine-tuning the squad ahead of a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt tonight.
Several key players, including Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Francis Uzoho, took part in the session, while Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams , Chidera Ejuke, Raphael Onyedika and Ryan Alebiosu later arrived the team’s Renaissance Hotels ‘ camp.
In a related development, the Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday.

Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won.
The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.
The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.
SUPER EAGLES IN CAIRO
Francis Uzoho ; Stanley Nwabali; Calvin Bassey; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; Amas Obasogie; Semi Ajayi; Ademola Lookman; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Igho Ogbu ; Tochukwu Nnadi; Zaidu Sanusi; Paul Onuachu; Frank Oyekan; Alex Iwobi , Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams , Chidera Ejuke; Raphael Onyedika and Ryan Alebiosu.

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Aiyegbeni: Too Many Defensive Midfielders In Current Super Eagles
Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has said the current Super Eagles team is made up of too many defensive midfielders, positing that’s why they struggle to dominate matches.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle called up eight midfielders in his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The midfielders selected are Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Usman Muhammed.
Commenting on the lack of creativity in the team’s midfield Aiyegbeni, speaking on Home Turf podcast said:”We need a proper midfielder who can pass the ball because we have too many defensive midfielders. We have Ndidi and Onyeka, they can only pass the ball sideways. We are lucky Ndidi passed one to Ejuke (against Gabon).”
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Alebiosu Arrives Super Eagles Cairo Camp
“I don’t want to go back in our days. We had Oliseh who can pass the ball, switch the play. We need a creative midfielder who can pass the ball very well, so we are lacking that.
“That’s the most important thing for us, we don’t have it. We don’t dominate games. We need a proper midfielder who can change and dominate the game.”
Meanwhile, 22 players are currently in the Super Eagles squad in their Cairo, Egypt camp ahead of the AFCON.
As part of preparation for the AFCON, the Super Eagles will take on Egypt in an international friendly today (Tuesday).
There are reports in Egypt that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah could miss the friendly with Super Eagles as he could be rested.
By James Agberebi
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Michigan players left ‘betrayed’ by Sherrone Moore’s affair scandal as his interim coach Biff Poggi breaks silence
Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi has spoken out on the ‘turbulent time’ that the team has endured over the past week in the wake of former head coach Sherrone Moore’s scandal.
Moore, 39, was fired by the Wolverines last Wednesday after an investigation found he had engaged in an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a member of staff.
In a stunning escalation of events, the married father-of-three was arrested later that evening after allegedly entering his assistant’s apartment, terrorizing an unnamed woman and threatening to harm himself in the wake of his firing over the affair.
Addressing the shocking incident for the first time, Poggi, who was elevated to interim head coach from associate head coach, revealed that the players have been left feeling ‘betrayed’ by Moore.
‘It has been a tumultuous time,’ Poggi said, via ESPN. ‘A lot of … first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed, and we’re trying to work through that.’
Poggi was speaking during a media availability for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and opened up on how the players were coping in the aftermath of the scandal with the game just over two weeks away.
Michigan interim football coach Biff Poggi has spoken out on the ‘turbulent time’
Sherrone Moore was dismissed after it emerged that he allegedly had an affair with a staffer
He said he has tried to help players with ‘lots of arms around shoulders, lot of listening, lot of telling them that you love them, but showing it, because words are cheap, and that takes a lot of time. What it really takes is you being willing to listen.’
He admitted that there was no playbook to follow in situations like this, but insisted that the focus had remained on the players and their families.
‘I don’t know that you can prepare for something like this,’ Poggi said. ‘It’s been complicated. I want to listen to them. I want to understand what the kids are feeling and what their parents are feeling, and so a lot of listening, and there’s been a wide range of emotions, and we are going through those steps.
‘They’re not over yet, and I don’t expect them to be over for a while. The mandate that Warde Manuel gave me as the athletic director when he asked me to be the interim coach, was to love and take care of the kids, and so that’s what I’m spending all of my time doing.’
He also revealed that he had held discussions with players over whether they wanted to play or to opt out of the Bowl game, insisting that it was a personal decision for each one of them.
Poggi took the helm in the wake of Moore’s dismissal after previously serving as interim head coach earlier in the season for games against Central Michigan and Nebraska while Moore was serving a suspension as part of self-imposed sanctions for NCAA violations related to the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.
He re-joined Michigan in February as associate head coach after spending two seasons as head coach of Charlotte.
Michigan is said to have fired Moore after it emerged that he had engaged in an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a staffer following an investigation.
Former head coach Moore, 39, was arrested just hours after being fired by the Wolverines
Moore was pictured with his wife Kelli leaving the offices of his lawyer on Sunday
The probe initially found no evidence of a relationship as both Moore and the woman denied the claim, according to reports.
The woman in question ultimately contacted the firm on Wednesday to change her story. The school responded to this change in testimony by firing Moore, according to the Wall Street Journal, which did not identify the woman by name.
As of Friday evening – two days on from Moore’s dismissal and subsequent arrest – the staffer alleged to be his mistress is reportedly still employed by the school.
Michigan has since launched a fresh investigation, hiring Jenner & Block, the Chicago-based law firm that opened the previous inquiry into Moore’s conduct.
While Moore’s dismissal will be a primary focus of the investigation, the wide-scoping inquiry will reportedly examine the numerous scandals that the school’s athletic programs have endured in recent years, including how they came about and how they were handled.
On Friday, Moore was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking at his arraignment in Washtenaw County, just days after allegedly entering his assistant’s apartment, terrorizing an unnamed woman and threatening to harm himself in the wake of his firing over the affair.
Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski said Moore and the woman had been engaged in an ‘intimate relationship’ for a number of years. Magistrate Odetalla M Odetalla forbade the court from identifying the alleged victim. The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver.
Pittsfield, Michigan police and Washtenaw County prosecutors claimed the uninvited Moore entered a residence unarmed through an unlocked door and ‘engaged in a verbal argument with the victim that escalated.’ From there, he allegedly grabbed two butter knives and a pair of scissors while threatening to harm himself.
The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured)
Moore has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. They have three daughters together
‘I’m going to kill myself,’ Moore told the alleged victim, as claimed by assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski on Friday. ‘I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.’
Moore allegedly fled the residence before police could arrive. He was ultimately arrested Wednesday evening at a church parking lot in a neighboring town. After his arraignment on Friday, he has bonded out of custody, court records state.
If convicted on all counts, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail and as much as $3,500 in fines, according to Washtenaw County’s Friday statement.
He was granted a $25,00 bond and ordered to wear a GPS device while continuing to undergo mental health treatment. His next court appearance is January 22.
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‘System’ Targets Late Finish Against ‘Saddam’ – THISDAYLIVE
Imole “System” Oloyede has brushed off Saddam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo’s boast that their fight will end inside two rounds, ahead of their national lightweight bout at GOtv Boxing Night 34.
While Saddam has predicted an early stoppage, Oloyede says the confidence is misplaced. The boxer nicknamed “System” believes the bout will be decided over time, as pressure builds and mistakes creep in. “Everyone can talk about two rounds,” he said. “But this is a national fight. I have prepared for every minute. When the pace settles and the noise fades, that is when the real work begins.”
Oloyede added that he is unfazed by predictions and name-calling, framing the bout as a test of composure. “I don’t rush fights,” he said. “I read them. If Saddam wants to come fast, that is his choice. I will be there from the first bell to the last, and he will understand why they call me System.”
Their duel is expected to be one of the night’s most intriguing matchups on a stacked GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival card that blends elite boxing with live music and on-stage entertainment.
Also on the lineup is the national super bantamweight title bout between Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola; the international lightweight clash between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo; the national lightweight contest pitting Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi against Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni; the light welterweight challenge between Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleimon and Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola; and the bantamweight matchup featuring Ezekiel “Touch” Seun versus Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan.
GOtv Boxing Night 34 will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). The event, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on 26 December at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.
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Ugo Udezue decries unending intrigues in NBBF ahead of federation’s elections
A member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the CEO of AFA Sports, Ugo Udezue, lamented the chaos surrounding basketball administration in Nigeria, stating that the game will develop greatly in the country if stakeholders unite and conduct themselves professionally, rather than encouraging negativity to gain power.
He shared his mind in Lagos on Monday.
“Let us speak plainly, because the future of Nigerian basketball demands courage, not comfort. Everywhere basketball has truly flourished, development has been driven by private enterprise — not federations, not politics, and certainly not ego. The NBA is not owned by USA Basketball; the NCAA is not owned by any federation. AAU basketball does not answer to administrators seeking relevance.
“Federations only regulate while private enterprise builds. This is a global truth we must stop pretending not to understand. What Nigerian basketball is experiencing today is not a healthy debate — it is desperation masquerading as reform.”
The former D’Tigers power forward said that those who truly love the game in Nigeria and are honest about development should join hands to build rather than looking for every opportunity to cause failure in the system.
“We now live in a moment so distorted that a serving member of the federation’s own board reportedly went as far as attempting to engineer the defeat of the Nigerian women’s national team, D’Tigress, at the recent AfroBasket. A custodian of the game allegedly aligned against his own country — engaging the entire Nigerian former coaching crew, including a close family member, in an attempt to stop Nigeria from winning. This is self-serving over the country. D’Tigress rose above politics, rose above betrayal, and once again proved why they are champions. Basketball will always expose the difference between builders and saboteurs.
“Unity without integrity is a fraud. You cannot preach unity while actively working against the national team. You cannot call for progress while sponsoring parallel elections.”
The AFA sports boss explained that his support for Musa Kida as the NBBF President and the board is in defense of the constitution and orderliness.
“I say this clearly and without apology: I stand firmly and unequivocally with the current President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Engineer Musa Kida, and the duly elected board because in moments like this, institutions must be defended. The Constitution is clear, and it will be respected. The board was inaugurated on October 6, 2022. Elections are due on October 6, 2026. Anything else is constitutional vandalism.
“If ambition is allowed to override law, then no administration — present or future — will ever govern in peace again. And once stability is lost, investors leave, sponsors disappear, and the game collapses under its own chaos.
He pointed the way forward: “As stakeholders, we owe Nigerian basketball more than noise — we owe it assets such as arenas, academies and Operational excellence.
“This is why I have consistently championed sustainable private enterprise and equity participation in basketball. Ownership models that attract serious investors. Systems that allow value creation over time.
“I have seen it done properly — by firms like Webber Engineering, by professionals who understand that real development is not loud, it is competent. Even in organization, presentation, and graphics, excellence signals seriousness. That seriousness attracts sponsors. That attracts capital. Basketball does not grow where chaos lives.
“Sustainable basketball ecosystems are built on: Private capital and Long-term equity; Professional leagues and Serious infrastructure. They are not built by naming leagues after yourself. They are not built by creating teams as personal monuments. They are not built by short-term projects designed for applause or political positioning. That approach is not development. It is personal promotion disguised as reform — political banditry wearing a basketball jersey.
If your project cannot survive without your name on it, then it was never about the game.”
