Sports
ABA Opens Three-Day Clinic to Develop Next Generation of Basketball Referees and Technical Officials
Cyril Ogar
The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has commenced a three-day Referees and Technical Officials Clinic in Abuja as part of efforts to develop a new generation of basketball officials capable of meeting international standards and advancing the growth of the game in Nigeria.
The clinic, tagged “Dreams Alive,” was declared open by the President and Founder of ABA, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Aliyu Abubakar, at the basketball court of the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
The programme has brought together about 25 participants, aged between 17 and 25, from basketball academies across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kano State. It is designed to equip aspiring referees and technical officials with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to officiate the game at national and international levels.
Addressing the participants, Abubakar described the clinic as an opportunity for young Nigerians to build rewarding careers in basketball officiating and sports administration.
He noted that while players often receive public recognition, referees and technical officials remain the backbone of every successful basketball competition by ensuring fairness, discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to the rules of the game.
According to him, ABA’s vision goes beyond discovering talented players to developing every aspect of the basketball ecosystem, including coaches, referees, statisticians, commissioners, technical officials and administrators.
He explained that the “Dreams Alive” initiative was created to inspire young people who are passionate about basketball but may choose career paths outside playing.
“Our goal is to open new opportunities in sports officiating, technical administration and sports management while strengthening the future of basketball in Nigeria,” he said.
Abubakar congratulated the participants on their selection, urging them to take full advantage of the intensive training by approaching every lecture, practical session and assessment with commitment and enthusiasm.
Also speaking, FIBA Referee Instructor Nuhu Samuel warned participants to prepare for a demanding but rewarding programme that combines classroom instruction with practical court sessions.
He said the clinic would expose participants to the latest interpretations of basketball rules, officiating mechanics and international best practices required for modern basketball officiating.
Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony included ABA board members Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah, Coach Alex Ujoh, Coach Oyekan Oyedeji, Kayode Adeniyi, and the Board Secretary, Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa.
The clinic is expected to enhance the capacity of young officials and contribute significantly to the long-term development of basketball 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.
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