The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Electoral Committee has cleared Mustapha Abdullahi, Olumide Oyedeji and Ejike Ugboaja to contest the federation’s presidential election scheduled for October 15, while disqualifying Ayo Bakare over the late submission of his nomination documents.

Electoral Committee chairman Lanre Glover also confirmed that presidential aspirant Igoche Mark has been given until Monday to submit his outstanding tax clearance certificate or face disqualification.

Speaking on the screening exercise, Glover revealed that five aspirants initially sought to contest the presidency, but only three had fully satisfied the requirements at the time of the announcement.

“For the presidency, there were five nominees for the presidency,” Glover stated.

On Oyedeji’s eligibility, he said: “He was deemed to have qualified by the Electoral Committee.”

Glover explained that Mark’s application remained incomplete because a mandatory document had not been submitted.

“His tax clearance is missing, and the Electoral Committee has been magnanimous enough to give him up to Monday to submit the tax clearance, failing which he will be disqualified,” he declared.

The committee chairman confirmed that Abdullahi and Ugboaja had completed the screening process.

“Abdullahi Mustapha, the committee found him qualified to contest. Submitted all documents,” Glover said.

On Ugboaja, he added: “He submitted all documents, and the committee found him to be qualified.”

However, Bakare failed to meet the submission deadline despite providing the required documents.

“Ayo Bakare submitted all documents, but his form was submitted late. He submitted his form 12 minutes past two, after the deadline, so he’s disqualified,” Glover explained.

Summarising the committee’s decision, Glover confirmed that one aspirant had been disqualified outright, while another still had an opportunity to regularise his application.

“So, of the five presidential candidates, one is disqualified, Ayo Bakare,” he stated.

The screening outcome leaves three confirmed presidential contenders, with Mark’s eligibility dependent on meeting Monday’s deadline ahead of the October 15 election.

The post “Submit Your Tax Clearance by Monday or Face Disqualification” — NBBF Electoral Committee Clears Three Presidential Aspirants, Disqualifies Bakare appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martínez has promised to speak with Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface following the Nigerian international’s decision to head straight down the tunnel after being overlooked for a substitution during the club’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Mainz.

Boniface, who had been warming up on the touchline, appeared frustrated when Martínez made his final two substitutions in the 84th minute without introducing him, prompting the forward to leave the pitchside area rather than return to the bench.

Addressing the incident after the match, Martínez admitted that he had not personally witnessed Boniface’s reaction because his attention was focused on the game.

“I was focusing on the game. I didn’t check it. If he did it, of course, we will talk with him,” Martínez said.

The Leverkusen coach declined to conclude speaking with the Nigerian striker, maintaining that he needed to establish exactly what happened.

“I didn’t know, so we will talk with him,” he added.

Martínez, however, acknowledged that players naturally become disappointed when they are unable to contribute, particularly when they are eager to make an impact.

“It’s something that I can understand: frustration. I can understand that everybody wants to help,” he explained.

The manager also defended his substitutions, stressing that difficult selection decisions are an unavoidable part of coaching.

“It’s part of that, it’s part of taking decisions, and in this moment, I took this. Like another day, maybe it will be completely different,” he stated.

Boniface has endured limited playing opportunities this season, featuring for just five minutes in Leverkusen’s campaign, a situation that has heightened attention on his role within the squad.

While the incident has raised questions about the striker’s frustration, Martínez’s comments suggest he intends to address the matter privately rather than escalate it publicly.

For Boniface, the challenge now is to channel his disappointment into performances that can earn him more playing time, while Martínez seeks to maintain harmony within his squad.

The post “I Can Understand His Frustration” — Leverkusen Coach Martínez to Hold Talks With Boniface After Tunnel Incident appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his weight behind Nigerian international Ademola Lookman despite admitting that the Super Eagles forward is yet to reach the performance level expected of him at the Spanish club.

Simeone acknowledged that Lookman has not been performing at the standard either the player or the coaching staff desires, but insisted that his commitment in training and willingness to improve remain encouraging.

“Ademola isn’t at the level he wants or we want, but he works hard every day,” Simeone said.

The Argentine tactician also highlighted Lookman’s attacking qualities, particularly his ability to take on defenders, explaining that losing possession is sometimes an unavoidable part of a player’s efforts to create opportunities.

“He’s a dribbler, and he needs to lose the ball sometimes,” the Atlético manager explained.

Despite his assessment of the Nigerian’s current form, Simeone made it clear that he retains confidence in Lookman’s ability to deliver.

“I believe in him,” he declared.

The comments underline the balance Simeone is seeking between demanding improved performances and allowing the forward the freedom to express himself in attacking situations.

Lookman’s reputation has been built on his pace, movement and ability to unsettle defenders in one-on-one situations, qualities that have made him an important attacking option for both club and country.

However, Simeone’s remarks suggest that the Nigerian still has work to do to consistently meet the demands of his manager’s tactical approach.

Rather than questioning Lookman’s effort, the Atlético coach appears encouraged by his attitude and daily commitment, indicating that the player continues to enjoy the backing of the technical staff.

For Lookman, the challenge will be to translate that hard work into more decisive contributions on matchdays while retaining the attacking boldness that defines his game.

Simeone’s message is clear: Lookman has not yet reached the desired standard, but his manager remains convinced that the Nigerian has the qualities and determination to improve.

The post “He’s Not at the Level We Want, But I Believe in Him” — Simeone Backs Lookman to Rediscover Best Form appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.