From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, yesterday rewarded a Nigerian player Blessing Ejiofor who participated in the just concluded 2025 women Afrobasket ball championship tournament with the sum of 30 million naira.
Ejiofor, a key player in the D’Tigress team Nigeria that won the competition, was also given a duplex building and was recognized into Ebonyi State Hall of Fame.
Team Nigeria emerged winner in the 29th edition of 2025 AfroBasket Women competition organized by FIBA, played in Abidjan Ivory Coast from 26 July to 3 August, 2025.
She hails from Okposi community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
Nwifuru, while receiving Ejiofor at the Government House, Abakaliki, described her as a courageous woman and great ambassador of the state.
He said her participation at the continental championship was special as it presence Ebonyi among states with great talent on the global sporting stage.
“I was a little sad during the last AFCON because Ebonyi’s presence was not there but I was happy when I heard while abroad, that Ebonyi person played in the team Nigeria basketball that played last championship in Abidjan”,he said.
The governor who expressed joy over Ejiofor’s performance in the competition, commended her for inspiring younger players to follow her footsteps in basket.
He pledged to construct a standard basket ball pitch as requested by the player with the sum of 50 million naira. The Pitch would be use for training of the younger players interested to play basket.
“Not only did you represent the nation but you made your home state proud. We pray that God will give you the strength you need to perform even better next time.” he stated.
In an interview with sports journalists, the Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Richard Idike explained that the court would be built at Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium, Abakaliki.
