Basketball
16 Teams, Academies Set for Action as CDS Democracy Day Basketball Tournament Tips Off Saturday
By Joel Ajayi
No fewer than 16 teams and basketball academies are set to feature in the second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship for boys and girls, scheduled to begin this Saturday, June 13th, 2025, in Abuja.
The championship, tagged the Under-18 Championship, is designed as a platform to inspire, empower, and nurture young basketball talents across Nigeria, while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
The week-long tournament will run from June 13 to 18, 2025, at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The participating teams—10 male and 6 female—are drawn from across the North Central zone, including state teams from Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Basketball academies and club teams such as Apo Settlers, Gilali, Suba, TNT, M2, and N-Youth will also be competing.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday the Chairman of the Organising Committee, retired Brigadier-General Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that the championship is expected to have a positive and lasting impact on Nigerian youth.
He said the tournament—themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”—aims to discover, develop, and showcase young players for potential opportunities at national and international levels.
General Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative, championed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, forms part of his non-kinetic strategy to enhance national security and civil-military relations by engaging youth in meaningful, community-building activities.
“The CDS understands the critical role of Nigeria’s young, vibrant population in national development,” he said. “This tournament is not only about basketball; it’s about promoting peace, inclusion, discipline, and unity through sport.”
Unlike the maiden edition, this year’s championship will feature both male and female teams, reflecting the CDS’s commitment to gender inclusion and equality in youth development programs.
“This event promises top-tier basketball action, fun-filled activities, and the chance for young players to win medals, trophies, and other prizes,” Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi added.
“Beyond competition, the championship offers a unique platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and national bonding among young athletes.”
To ensure transparency and credibility, the National Identification Number (NIN) will be used to verify player eligibility and eliminate age fraud. All games will be officiated in accordance with FIBA rules, ensuring professionalism and fairness throughout the tournament.
In addition to the games, the organizers revealed that the event will feature various side attractions, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
The CDS Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Nigeria’s youth, using sports as a powerful tool for national growth and cohesion.
Basketball
Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja
The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.
In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.
The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.
However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”
Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.
Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.
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