NAN-S-2
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Babs Ogunade, Chairman Lagos State Basketball (LSBBA) has slammed the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for not supporting the Africa Basketball League (ABL) which, he said, was a commendable development initiative.
Ogunade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that it was unfortunate that the NBBF declared the competition illegal.
He said that the league had indicated great development for the future of private sector involvement in sports in Nigeria.
He added that the association was committed to backing it once the new season began in 2017.
“Lagos always thinks out of the box, we have always led from the front and we will continue to do that for the future of sports development in Nigeria.
“I do not see any reason for rancour as the league is a private investment that seeks to develop basketball and entertainment in Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole.
“The league creates another avenue where players can be developed and an opportunity where players can earn good money for themselves.
“It is a private initiative and it is welcome to Lagos State as it brings development,’’ Ogunade said.
He added that the state would always welcome any platform that brought development for any sport in the state.
“If we look at the U.S, where basketball is huge, there are leagues such as the NBA, the U.S. League and ABL to mention a few; sincerely, there is no need for animosity.
“We are looking forward to next season and will always welcome new initiatives that bring development to sports.
“I am apologetic for taking part in it and will always be a part in the future,’’ Ogunade said.
NAN reports that the ABL held its inaugural season on March 4, with six clubs — Lagos Islanders, Stallion of Lagos, and Lagos Warriors competing with other African teams.
The foreign teams are Dakar Rapids from Senegal, Libreville Izobe from Garbon and Abidjan Ramblers from Cote D’Voire.
Abidjan Ramblers emerged the overall champions defeating Lagos Warriors, 61-52 in June in a capacity crowd with glorifying ambience in Abidjan.
Eminent personalities such as the Ivorian Minister for Housing and Construction, Mamadou Sanago, and his host, the Minister of Sports, Franciose Amicha watched the final day actions of the season.
The League is organized by Ugo Udezue, owner of Wakanow.com and is backed by Cornerstone Insurance, the Beat 99FM, Channels TV and CNBC Africa.
ASKY Airlines, Yahoo Sports, Ebony Life TV, Trace TV, Sports Business, Union Bank Nig. PLC and Radisson Blu are other supporters.
The League also featured on the U.S.-based CNN on special features of business development in Africa in June. (NAN)
BAO/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)