Basketball

16 Teams, Academies Set for Action as CDS Democracy Day Basketball Tournament Tips Off Saturday

Published

4 months ago

June 11, 2025

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.

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

5 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.

The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”

Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.

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