Joel Ajayi
The initiator and founder of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark, has expressed confidence that Nigerian basketball will soon reclaim its place among the nation’s most vibrant and competitive sports—provided stakeholders embrace unity and strengthen leadership structures.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Mark acknowledged that the national team had not performed at its best in recent outings but praised the players for their effort and commitment.
He insisted that Nigeria possesses both the talent and technical expertise to dominate basketball on the continent, noting that internal division remains the major obstacle.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. The basketball family must come together, agree on a common direction, and move forward. If we unite, we will return to being one of the best,” he said.
Mark disclosed that several new initiatives aimed at revitalising the sport are already in motion, hinting that a major programme will be unveiled soon.
He recalled that basketball once ranked as Nigeria’s second most-followed sport, drawing significant interest across the country before internal crises slowed its growth. With the recent steps by the National Sports Commission (NSC) toward conducting organised elections next year, he expressed hope that the sport is on the verge of bouncing back.
Identifying leadership as the core challenge, Mark emphasised that effective governance remains key to rebuilding the sport.
Mark reaffirmed that Nigerian basketball still holds immense potential and will rise stronger once unity and proper reforms are implemented.
