L atest D’Tigers debutant, Chima Moneke is excited about what the future holds for him and the team following their qualification for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket championship. Moneke who made his debut for Nigeria against South Sudan announced his presence on the international scene with 8pts and 5 rebounds under 13 minutes as the D’Tigers secured a hard fought 75-70 point victory. The power forward who plays for Orléans Loiret Basketball club in France, said it was an emotional moment for him, his parents and loved ones as he stepped on the court to represent his fatherland. “Making my debut for Nigeria was exciting and I am grateful for this opportunity. My parents, my family and friends are all very proud.” After being named in the 12 man team invited to Kigali for the second window of the qualifiers last year, many Nigerians expected him to make his debut. Due to administrative reasons bothering on registration and eligibility; he had to sit the games out. With a decent performance in his first three games, the 25year old told Nigerians that they are yet to see the best of him. He assured that with more time in the team and more games, he will surely get comfortable in the team. “I am excited to see where this can take me. As I play more games, I will get more comfortable and hopefully get more opportunities to show what I can do”. Not getting carried away with the recent success, Moneke is optimistic of a long and eventful career for Nigeria ladened with trophies. “I am happy with the statistics. I am happy with winning and I just hope that I am able to do this for a long time because what is better than playing for your country. I can’t think of anything else.” Moneke averaged 6pts and 5.3 rebounds after 3 games as he contributed his quota to the team’s unbeaten run and eventual qualification for the Afrobasket championship that will be hosted in Kigali, Moneke Rwanda later this year
NSF: MASVI cycling tour to serve as preparation for South South states – Ilaboya
The 2021 edition of the Masvi Cycling road race is to serve as preparation for the much postponed National Sports festival (NSF). The second edition comes up on April 3 while NSF has been rescheduled for April 21 to May 4 2021. To that effect many states outside the South South states have signified their intention to take part in the race sponsored by Mr. Sunday Ajayi. Six states within the South South states namely Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Edo had earlier been named to take part in the road race that would be flagged off by the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Frank Ilaboya. The rescheduling of the NSF has seen more states applying to be part of the road race to enable them use the competition as preparation for the National Sports Festival. Eleven states took part in the maiden edition in 2020 won by Rivers and Delta states in the male and female categories. The organizers of the three day cycling extravaganza, Owan West Local Government had earlier said this year’s race is to help Team Edo and its counterparts from the South South region prepare well for the National Sports Festival holding in Benin City in April. Meanwhile, the Technical Director of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Bashiru Mohammed has commended the sponsor Mr. Ajayi for identifying with cycling despite the harsh economy. “Ajayi has won my heart and should be commended for his part in the growth of cycling in Nigeria”, he emphasized.
Egbe lauds NDDC for backing GRASOF’s grassroots tourney
Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe has given a pat on the back to Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for backing the U17 Grassroots soccer tournament being organized by Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF). Egbe, a patron of GRASOF noted that the grassroots soccer tournament is a laudable event that should enjoy the backing of all and sundry, especially football stakeholders. He noted that sports, especially football is a veritable tool that should be used to drive the development of the Niger Delta region. “I want to say a big thank you to the management of NDDC for identifying with the youth soccer tournament being organized by GRASOF. As a patron of the body I m happy they are taking a step in the right direction. Sports, especially football should be used to drive development in the Niger Delta region. Once the youths are engaged in sports they won’t have time for any criminal activities and that way, we can put a stop to youths restiveness.” Continuing Egbe said…”This informed why I organized a youth tournament for Apoi communities in the Southern Ijaw local government area in December. My company Monimichelle also believes strongly in the development of the region and this is why we have our Corporate headquarters in Yenagoa. Both GRASOF and NDDC are on the same page with Monimichelle.” GRASOF it would be noted is planning the U17 Niger Delta Peace Cup which is billed to run from March 15-28.
