Basketball

10 Students Get Scholarships At Yusuf Yakubu’s Basketball Tourney

Published

5 years ago

January 18, 2021

Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 10 students outstanding participants were given scholarships to study and play basketball in the United States of America (USA) and Nigeria this season at the end of the Yusuf Yakubu All American Basketball Tournament and Camp for Girls.

Two boys and three girls were given the United States of America Scholarship as the 3 boys and 2 girls also received scholarships to study in Nigeria.

The basketball tournament which was organized by the Mentoring All Nations Globally Foundation (MANGO INC) saw over 200 boys in the competition tagged Mango basketball clinic while over 350 for the girl child empowerment basketball clinic held at the KadaKings Basketball Courts Ungwan Sunday In Kaduna state recently.

According to the Founder of the MANGO Foundation Yusuf Yakubu, while speaking on the foundation annual camp, Yakubu says his foundation would continue to collaborate with schools in the United States of America to expose more Nigerian talents to get the scholarship from American colleges and also go on to play in the money-spinning America Basketball Association (NBA) league.

“My aim as the founder is to empower kids through MANGO INC Foundation with scholarships to study both in Nigeria and overseas, in conducive academic classrooms, provide good water for the community, empower girl child through sports, academic focus, the mental breakdown on how successful every girl child can be, help the girl in boosting their self-esteem, be able to provide the necessary provision for widows and widowers all around the globe not just in Nigeria,” he said.

The Elizabeth City State University student, Yakubu who is among the National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) commended his coach Shawn Walker for his continuous support to his basketball career.

“Let me also using this medium to appreciate my coach Shawn Walker for all the support and encouragement he has given me in my career so far which has helped me to become a better person worthy of giving back to the society”.

Yakubu also went further to call on corporate organizations and individuals to partner with the foundation to provide educational opportunities for more Nigerian youths while commending those who supported the 2020 edition.

“I want to say a very big thank you to all the sponsors that contributed to the success of this year’s edition which is Noah kavah, Sabo Suya lounge, Micah Autos, YBO underwears, IBEJI, DOMINION CITY CHURCH Houston Texas, Pickup USA, Kehinde Balogun Houston Texas, feed your game basketball organization, Justice Jude Dagat, Guild of the Global intellectuals, masquerade lounge. Basketball venue facilities: KADA KINGs of Kaduna state through the chairman Distinguished Mr. Ahmed Tijani, May Allah reward you richly Amin”.

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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