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.
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By Dipo Olowookere
Manchester United centre-back, Harry Maguire, has signed a new contract with the football club for an additional year.
He will remain at the Theatre of Dreams until June 2027, with the option for a further year, a statement from the Red Devil said.
“Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes me and my family proud every single day.
“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us,” the club’s former captain stated.
“Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.
“Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success,” the Director of Football at Manchester United, Mr Jason Wilcox, was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Three Lions defender has made 266 appearances and won the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup since joining the club in 2019.
European club football enters its decisive quarter-final phase in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. With semi-final places on the line, the first-leg fixtures promise high-intensity clashes. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Heavyweights Collide
At 8:00 PM, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the standout tie of the round. Both sides were emphatic in the previous stage, with Madrid dismantling Manchester City and Bayern delivering a dominant performance against Atalanta. The match airs live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Madrid arrive off a disappointing domestic setback, while Bayern continue to show resilience and attacking firepower. The Bernabéu will be central to Madrid’s hopes against a side currently scoring with ease.
Also at 8:00 PM, Sporting Lisbon face Arsenal in Lisbon, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal come into the tie under pressure following consecutive cup losses in the Carabao and FA Cups, while Sporting are full of confidence after an impressive run of form. With momentum firmly on the Portuguese side, this fixture presents a significant test of Arsenal’s mentality.
At 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical encounter. The game will be shown live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Barcelona claimed a recent league victory between the sides, but Atletico have already proven their ability to disrupt them this season. Expect a high-stakes contest between two teams who know each other well.
Also at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in Paris, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG have emerged as one of the competition’s most dominant sides, carrying strong momentum into the tie. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a heavy domestic defeat and will need a significant improvement to remain competitive heading into the second leg.
Europa & Conference League: Thursday Night Stakes
While the Champions League dominates midweek headlines, Thursday brings its own high-stakes quarter-final action across the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In the Europa League, Bologna host Aston Villa in a compelling first-leg encounter, live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) at 8:00 PM, . Aston Villa have impressed throughout the competition and arrive well-rested, while Bologna’s path to this stage has been defined by resilience and high-intensity performances. The contrast in preparation could shape the outcome.
Also at 8:00 PM, FC Porto face Nottingham Forest, with the match airing on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Porto will look to assert themselves at home after previous meetings between the sides, while Forest have already demonstrated their ability to navigate difficult knockout ties.
For the Conference League, Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at Selhurst Park, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205) at 8:00 PM. Palace continue their pursuit of European silverware against a Fiorentina side balancing continental ambition with inconsistent domestic form. The hosts will aim to build a first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Italy.
Quarter-Final Fixtures – First Legs
UEFA Champions League
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Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
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Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
UEFA Europa League
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Bologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)
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FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
UEFA Conference League
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Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
Follow the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
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