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Total to Remain as Nigerian Basketball Leagues Sponsor Till 2025

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Nigerian Basketball Leagues

By Adedapo Adesanya

Total E&P Nigeria Limited has extended its sponsorship of N150 million to the Male National Divisions 1 and 2 Leagues of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) till the 2025 season.

This was done at the signing of a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations recently at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Total E & P Nigeria Limited, Mr Mike Sangster, stated: “Total has resolved to build on the productive relationship with NBBF, which began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018.

“Today, we commit to a renewal of that sponsorship agreement. In financial terms, the MoU involves an annual sum of N30 million over the next five years.”

He further said: “The growth trajectory of Nigerian basketball since the initial agreement was signed two years ago, has proved to us that our decision to identify with the body was not misplaced.”

Mr Sangster further appreciated the NNPC and Total’s other partners for their support. “Let me personally thank the NNPC/NAPIMS and our OML 130 partners without whose support this event would not have been possible.”

On the part of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, who attended the signing ceremony, commended Total for the sponsorship.

“I want to sincerely thank the management of Total E&P Nigeria Limited for sponsoring the National Divisions 1- & 2-Men’s basketball Leagues which indicates a clear commitment to the development of the sport of basketball in Nigeria.

“It is, therefore, with great pleasure and a sense of fulfilment that I am here at the signing of this MoU. For me, this is a transformational moment,” the Minister declared.

In his speech, the president of the NBBF, Mr Ahmadu- Kida Musa said, “On behalf of the Board of the NBBF, I want to thank the management and the Managing Director of Total E&P Nigeria Ltd. Mr Mike Sangster for the vote of confidence reposed in the NBBF by extending the sponsorship of the divisions 1 & 2 Leagues for another five years.

“This gesture underscores the commitment of the company to develop Nigerian youths just like the honourable minister has said. Beside the sponsorships, Total E&P has also uplifted basketball. For example, in addition to financial and related supports to the NBBF, Total was the first corporate body to receive the victorious male and female national teams when they dazzled Africa in the Afrobasket tournament in 2017.”

“In the same vein, Total contributed immensely to ensuring Nigeria’s D’Tigers were the first to qualify for the 2019 China FIBA World Cup.”

The NBBF President continued, “When the history of NBBF is written when the history of the Nigeria corporate sports sponsorship is written, the name of Total E&P Nigeria Limited will no doubt be written in gold. Nigeria basketball community will always remember you because you have always been there for us.”

It would be recalled that on April 26, 2018, Total signed a N60 million sponsorship deal for the men’s NBBF National Divisions 1 & 2 leagues, signalling a unique breakthrough in Nigeria’s basketball history. The deal covered the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Unveiling the Thrill of Online Casinos: Slots, Games, and More

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Online Casinos

The innovation of online casinos has transformed how people enjoy leisure and gaming activities. From anywhere and at any time, online casinos have opened their doors to literally everyone, ensuring that the most convenient and exciting kinds of entertainment are within reach.

Whether spinning the reels in popular slot games or plotting out the next move in poker, online casinos bring a virtual get-away like none other. For a deeper understanding of strategies, tips, and insights, one can look to resources such as blog.20bet.com, which provides very valuable information to make your gaming experience even better. Now, let’s get a closer look at the fascinating world of online casinos.

Online Casino Evolution

The journey of online casinos began in the mid-1990s with the advent of the Internet. Fast forward to today, and the industry has mushroomed into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. But to what can its phenomenal popularity be attributed?

Ease of Access and Convenience

One of the major reasons why online casinos have prospered is the convenience they offer. It means that with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, players can play any time, anywhere.

Multitude of Games

Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos offer a plethora of games on their roster. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette, to creative slots with engaging themes, there’s something for every gamer’s taste.

Slot Games: Entertainment for All

Slot games are the most enjoyed amusement in the world of online casinos. The simplicity of the game, combined with appealing graphics and lucrative bonuses, has made it a favorite both for amateur and professional players.

Why Slots Are a Favorite Among People

Easy to Play: Slots are the easiest casino game to play, and there is absolutely no need for experience or strategies.

Creative Themes: Starting from mythology to adventure, slot games are designed with various themes that attract players.

Jackpots: Progressive slots boast of life-altering jackpots which grow with each new spin.

Features of the Best Slots

High RTP: Games with high RTP percentages offer a very good chance of winning.

Bonus Rounds: Look out for slots offering free spins, multipliers, and more.

Mobile Compatibility: Make sure it works on your device.

Table Games: Where Strategy and Entertainment Meet

Table games will satisfy those who want to feel some strategy with their luck. In these games, players will need more engagement and are particularly rewarding when well played.

Popular Table Games

Blackjack: A game of skill and strategy, players try to outdo the dealer without going over 21. Roulette: A very exciting game of chance in which gamblers bet on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. Poker: From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, poker is all about bluffing, strategy, and calculated risks. Tips for Table Games Success Understand the Rules: First, understand the rules and strategies of the game.

Free Games to Practice: Many sites offer free versions to hone your skills.

Bankroll Management: Set limits and stick to them to avoid overspending.

Live Casino Games: Bringing Realism to Your Screen

The introduction of live dealer games has narrowed the gap between traditional casinos and online casino games. In these games, real dealers host the games, and it is broadcast in real-time for an authentic experience right in your living room.

Advantages of Live Dealer Games

Real-Time Interaction: Chat with dealers and other players to create a social atmosphere.

High Stakes: Many live games cater to high rollers looking for more intense gaming sessions.

Variety: Enjoy games like live blackjack, baccarat, and game show-inspired titles like “Crazy Time.”

Bonuses and Promotions: Maximizing Your Experience

Online casinos often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers can significantly enhance your gameplay if used wisely.

Common Types of Bonuses

Welcome Bonus: A reward for signing up, often including deposit matches and free spins.

No Deposit Bonus: Get a small bonus without making an initial deposit.

Loyalty Programs: Earn points with every wager and redeem them for rewards.

How to Choose the Best Bonus

Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the wagering requirements beforehand.

Check the Validity Period: Make sure that the time given by the bonus is sufficient enough to meet its requirements.

Focus on Your Favorite Games: Some bonuses are game-specific. Choose ones that suit your interests.

Responsible Gaming: A Key Aspect of Enjoyment

While online casinos are a source of entertainment, it’s essential to practice responsible gaming to ensure a positive experience.

Tips for Responsible Gaming

Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit before you start playing.

Take Breaks: Avoid long gaming sessions to maintain a healthy balance.

Know your Limits: Don’t chase losses; it’s better to walk away and try another day.

Tools at the Player’s Aid

Most online casinos include features for self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, and reality checks that may enable responsible gaming.

Future of Online Casinos

With technology Burke, the online casino industry is bound to reach newer heights. Following are a few trends that are going to shape its future:

Virtual Reality Casinos

Just imagine being inside a virtual casino playing games and communicating with other players, as if you were sitting across from each other. This is the reality that VR technology is bringing into being.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are becoming increasingly popular. They provide quicker transactions with added security. Fairness in gaming is ensured through the transparency provided by blockchain technology.

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NFF Appoints Former Mali’s Manager Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Coach

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Eric Chelle Super Eagles

By Dipo Olowookere

The former manager of Mali’s national football team, Mr Eric Chelle, has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The appointment of Mr Chelle was announced on Tuesday night by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The first job of the new coach will be to guide the home-base Super Eagles team to victory at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by the trio of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1–28, 2025.

He will work with the current Super Eagles B coaching staff, which includes Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who successfully guided the team through CHAN qualifiers.

The biennial football tournament is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sponsored by an oil giant, TotalEnergies.

Mr Chelle would be expected to deploy his tactics to ensure a successful outing of the home-based Super Eagles at the competition and also revive the main team, according to the president of the NFF, Mr Ibrahim Gusau.

“We want whoever takes charge of the team to begin immediately, which is why the same coach will manage the CHAN Eagles.

“This allows us to identify promising home-based players who can contribute to the senior national team,” he stated.

Business Post reports that the new coach was favoured for the new job by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee of the federation and endorsed by the executive committee.

One of his biggest tasks will be to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).

At the moment, Nigeria occupies fifth position and will play the next qualifiers in two months’ time.

Mr Chelle led the Mali national team to quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He is the latest foreign coach appointed by the NFF to manage the country’s national team.

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Arsenal, Liverpool in Carabao Cup Semifinal Action Live on GOtv

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Carabao Cup

The race for the first silverware of the 2024/25 season intensifies as Premier League leaders Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal will be in Carabao Cup semifinal action this midweek.

Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while Liverpool travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday. Both matches will be broadcast live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 PM.

Fresh from their impressive 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, Newcastle will aim to build on their momentum and secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already defeated Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season, and another strong performance could leave the Gunners with a steep hill to climb in the second leg.

Newcastle will be without their influential captain, Bruno Guimarāes due to suspension, while Arsenal battle with illness issues in the squad which has seen Kai Havertz miss the last two matches.

Arsenal, who haven’t lifted the Carabao Cup in 31 years, view this competition as a vital chance for silverware, especially with their league title hopes fading.

On the other side of North London, Tottenham Hotspur face defending champions Liverpool, hoping to avoid a repeat of their 6-3 thrashing by their visitors just 17 days ago. Spurs have managed just one win in their last eight matches at home in all competitions—a narrow 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the quarterfinal. Their last taste of silverware came 17 years ago when they won this competition.

Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have lost just one match all season, are chasing an ambitious quadruple. A victory over Spurs on Wednesday would put them on the brink of securing a spot in the final at Wembley.

Football fans can enjoy all Carabao Cup matches, Premier League, Serie A, Laliga and Champions League action live by reconnecting or upgrading to the GOtv Super Plus package. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.

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