Sports
Abuja Unveils Maiden ABA Tournament to Boost Grassroots Basketball Development
Joel Ajayi
The drive to revive grassroots basketball in Nigeria received a major boost on Friday in Abuja with the official unveiling of the maiden Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) Tournament.
The initiative, which drew stakeholders, former players, coaches and administrators, is aimed at discovering and nurturing young basketball talents through structured competitions and development programmes.
Founder of the initiative, Lucky Abubakar, disclosed that no fewer than 20 basketball academies would participate in the first edition of the Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament scheduled for July.
Abubakar, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said the competition would feature male and female teams from academies across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, the tournament is designed to revive community basketball, create opportunities for young players, and provide exposure for emerging talents.
He explained that the ABA initiative was established to identify hidden basketball talents in communities, schools and local courts, where many youths possess the passion and ability but lack proper structure and opportunities.
“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will transform lives, reshape communities and elevate young talents to the global stage,” Abubakar said.
“There is enormous basketball talent in our communities, but many young athletes lack the support system, exposure and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.”
He noted that the organisation would focus on talent discovery, nurturing, growth and development through structured grassroots programmes and regional academies.
“We are building a pathway from raw potential to refined excellence while preparing young athletes for international basketball opportunities,” he added.
Abubakar further stated that beyond sports, the initiative would promote discipline, leadership, teamwork and character development among participants.
“We are not only raising basketball players, but also responsible citizens, role models and future leaders,” he said.
The ABA project is expected to begin with a pilot edition in the FCT before expanding to other states across the country in future editions.
Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, HRH Eze Ifeanyi Eke, described the initiative as a timely intervention for the growth of basketball at the grassroots level.
He stressed the need for sustained investment, collaboration and partnerships to ensure long-term success.
“Basketball development has been on a slow trajectory in Nigeria, but the ABA initiative represents a solid and well-planned platform for grassroots growth,” Eke said.
“This has always been our desire as stakeholders—to take children off the streets, away from drugs, and engage them through basketball and education.”
He added that the programme would help nurture a new generation of youths grounded in academics, discipline, sportsmanship and moral values.
Eke reaffirmed his full support for the initiative and commended coaches, academy owners and mentors for their dedication to developing young talents.
A major highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the presentation of trophies for winners in both the male and female categories of the tournament.
The event attracted key basketball stakeholders, academy proprietors and sports enthusiasts committed to repositioning grassroots sports development in Nigeria
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
