The Niger Sports Commission (NSSC) said it has concluded arrangements to host the Bago National Division One Basketball League Minna 2025 from Saturday to November 29.

The Chairman of the commission, Danjuma Abdul-Masu, disclosed this at a news briefing at the 1-2-3 Indoor Sports Hall, Savannah Conference, Minna on Wednesday.

Mr Abdul-Masu said 19 states would participate in the tournament, featuring teams registered with the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

He said the commission remained committed to the growth and development of all sports in line with Governor Umaru Bago’s mandate to prioritise sports for optimal performance and youth engagement across the state.

The chairman said the commission was open to partnerships and collaborations to improve sports infrastructure and broaden development, adding that two teams would be promoted to the national league at the end of the championship.

Mr Abdul-Masu reaffirmed the commission’s determination to restore the lost glory of sports in the state, particularly the Niger Potters Basketball Club.

He recalled that the team had once produced international stars and intercontinental champions, decrying that it had new been relegated to the second division.

He said efforts were ongoing to return the team to the top division and restore its presence on the international stage.

According to him, plans are underway for Niger to bid for the hosting rights of the 2030 National Sports Festival, hence the need to intensify activities, test-run facilities and build capacities toward future achievements.

Mr Abdul-Masu said the commission was not solely government-driven and called on the media to support efforts aimed at encouraging private sector investment and patronage, adding that N30 million would be expended on the 10-day championship.

In his remarks, the Technical Team leader, Abdulrahaman Mohammed, expressed satisfaction with the standard of the state team, which he described as a blend of youth and experience, well-motivated to secure victory due to the government’s investment.

(NAN)