Sports
Total to Remain as Nigerian Basketball Leagues Sponsor Till 2025

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.
Sports
How to Bet on Nigerian Football Matches with Melbet

For gambling enthusiasts, football has become one of the most popular sports for betting. If you want to combine your passion for football with the opportunity to earn money, then Melbet Nigeria is your reliable partner on this journey. Find out how Melbet can help you make successful bets on the most popular football matches in the world.
Why Choose Melbet for Football Betting
The Melbet betting company offers everything you need for a comfortable and safe game. That’s why this platform has become one of the most popular among players:
- A wide range of events. The site features matches from all over the world, from national leagues to international tournaments. Whether you are interested in the Premier League or the African championships, you will find the right events;
- High coefficients. One of the main advantages of Melbet these are competitive coefficients. This allows you to maximize your profit from your bets;
- Ease of use. The website and the mobile application are designed to meet the needs of users. The interface is intuitive and the navigation is simple. You will always be aware of events and will be able to place bets at any time;
- Live bets. The ability to place bets in real time adds excitement. You can follow the progress of the match and adjust your predictions on the fly;
- Bonuses and promotions. The bookmaker regularly offers bonuses, cashback and other promotions that will help you increase your bankroll;
- Secure and fast withdrawal of funds. Melbet guarantees the protection of your data and funds. Winnings are withdrawn quickly and without unnecessary difficulties.
Popular Football Tournaments and Leagues on Melbet
The platform features the most prestigious and spectacular tournaments that attract the attention of millions of fans. Here are some of them:
- FIFA World Cup. The most significant football tournament where the best national teams of the world compete. You can bet on the winner of the tournament, the top scorers and other outcomes;
- The UEFA Champions League. A top-level club tournament where the grandees of European football meet. Betting on Champions League matches is always popular;
- African Cup of Nations (AFC). The main football tournament in Africa, where the best teams of the continent compete;
- English Premier League. One of the most competitive and spectacular world championships with the participation of world football stars;
- Serie A. The Italian championship is known for its tactical sophistication and technical prowess;
- The Bundesliga. The German championship is famous for its high performance and the atmosphere in the stadiums;
- AFC Champions League. The Asian version of the Champions League, where the best clubs of the region compete;
- Copa America. The most important tournament for the national teams of South America, where such giants as Brazil and Argentina compete.
These are just a few of the events available on Melbet. Regardless of your level of knowledge or preferences, you will always find suitable betting matches.
How to Start Betting on Melbet?
The betting process on Melbet Nigeria is as simple and convenient as possible. Here is a step-by-step instruction:
- Go to the Melbet website and click the “Register” button. Enter your phone number and come up with a strong password to log into your personal account.
- After registration is completed, log in to your personal account and deposit money to your gaming account using one of the available payment methods. The platform supports bank cards, electronic wallets and cryptocurrencies.
- Go to the betting section and click on the football section. Choose one and a half thousand matches or tournaments that you are interested in. Decide on the outcome: the team’s victory, total goals, number of yellow cards and much more.
- Enter the amount you want to bet in the appropriate field. Check the details and confirm your bet.
Now all that remains is to follow the match and enjoy the process. Melbet guarantees the security of your funds and data, so you can be sure of the integrity of the game.
Conclusions
If you love football, then definitely try to make money from your hobby. Place bets on soccer at Melbet and get not only the pleasure of watching your favorite masts, but also good money.
Sports
NGX Group Backs The Athletics School Games

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
As part of its commitment to nurturing well-rounded future leaders through sports, discipline, and teamwork, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc recently partnered with The Athletics School Games (TASG), an annual sporting event bringing together young athletes from private schools in Lagos.
The initiative aligns with NGX Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus on community development.
The involvement of the organisation extended beyond sponsorship, reflecting a deliberate strategy to support initiatives that bridge education, leadership, and economic opportunity.
Held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, the event provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase their athletic talent while cultivating essential life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and leadership, qualities critical for success in today’s competitive global economy.
It featured a wide range of track and field competitions, including sprints, relays, long-distance races, high jump and long jump.
Beyond medals and trophies, the games emphasized personal growth, resilience, and the value of teamwork, qualities that extend far beyond the sporting arena into leadership and professional development.
“As a key institution in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, NGX Group understands that sustainable development begins with investing in human capital.
“Our support for The Athletics School Games goes beyond sports, it is about equipping young Nigerians with the discipline, teamwork, and determination needed to excel in business, finance, and entrepreneurship.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of our broader mission to foster a resilient economy powered by capable, well-rounded individuals,” the Head of Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Mr Clifford Akpolo, stated.
The event’s initiator, Seun Akinbohun, highlighted TASG’s role in unlocking opportunities for young athletes.
“This initiative is designed to create pathways for athletes to excel and be discovered by scouts. There are so many opportunities for kids in TASG, and I am glad we are contributing to their development.
“We have expanded the event to include more participants, age categories, and flexibility. I am excited to bring the experience from the first edition into the second, with a larger technical committee and more experienced personnel,” Akinbohun noted.
Sports
How Will Cricket Become One of the Top Three Sports in Nigeria?

The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, has made an optimistic statement. According to him, cricket will become one of Nigeria’s top three recognized sports. If these expectations are confirmed, Nigeria will be among the top five countries with the highest cricket popularity, along with India and the UK.
He expressed this opinion after the Nigerian women’s team performed at the World Cup. Akpata cited a well-organized structure as the reason for such results.
The Nigeria Under-19 Yellow Greens junior women’s team performed excellently at the World Cup held in Malaysia. The results are all the more impressive considering that it was the girls’ debut. They beat the more experienced teams of New Zealand and Ireland, and although the team was eliminated at the Super Six stage, it still achieved a great result.
Uyi Akpata said the athletes performed well. They have invested a lot in them, and they showed that these investments are paying off even faster than expected. According to the development plan, the team was to be at the World Cup only by 2028.
The team is developed based on five core imperatives, including comprehensive development that includes facilities, strategic partnerships with government, funders, and key stakeholders, and financial integrity and good governance.
Meanwhile, experts have noted that cricket as a sport has been growing in recent times not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of the world. A prime example is India, where the popularization of the sport has led to the emergence of many clubs and national teams and facilitated many cultural projects. The sphere of cricket betting, which is officially authorized in the country, has also experienced a significant impact. Thus, recently, the number of young people under 30 who are into sports betting has increased. Many bookmakers have started offering cricket betting apps deposit 100 INR as an entry-level requirement, allowing more fans to get involved with minimal investment.
However, when it comes to children’s participation in cricket, India is still far from Nigeria, where a quarter of a million children are involved in the sport. Half of them are girls. There are regular cricket competitions between schools, regional leagues, and many other activities that promote cricket.
Contracts have been introduced for Nigerian national team players, while school team players receive scholarships. The league now plans to do what seemed impossible five years ago: host an ICC tournament. This is one of the essential steps towards making cricket in Nigeria a recognized sport.
The NCF chief also highlighted an important point: the women’s team’s performance at the tournament generated considerable interest among Nigerian fans. This means that the country’s cricket brand is gradually getting stronger.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation is on its way to improving the performance of its team and making it recognized at the international level. Of course, this will ensure that Nigerian sportsmen and women are actively supported in their home country.
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