Sports

ABA League: Air Warriors Chief Hails Initiative as Catalyst for Basketball Growth

Published

2 months ago

August 31, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The founder of Air Warrior Basketball Club of Abuja High Chief Alhaji Abdulmajid Solademi, has applauded the maiden Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) League, said the initiative as a major step towards reviving grassroots basketball development in Nigeria.

Solademi said the league had given him renewed hope for the future of Nigerian basketball, particularly because of its focus on discovering and nurturing young talents.

Speaking on Saturday on the sidelines on going ABA league that has attracted over 500 young players across the FCT North central, he said the initiative was commendable as it shifted attention from established stars to young players who needed opportunities to develop their careers.

“I think this is absolutely incredible. When I saw it, I began to feel that we have a future in basketball because of what they are doing.’’

According to him, Nigeria’s huge population should translate into a stronger pool of basketball talents capable of competing successfully at continental and international levels.

He noted that the country needed more structured competitions at the grassroots to provide young players with regular playing opportunities and prepare them for professional basketball.
“This is the opportunity everybody needs to grab. The young players need to take advantage of it because opportunities do not come every day,” he said.

He also commended the organisers for involving coaches and the media in the programme, saying the broad interest generated by the league could help expose young talents and attract more stakeholders to basketball.

He urged aspiring players to take the competition seriously and make the most of the platform provided for them.

Alhaji Abdulmajid Solademi urged basketball stakeholders to support initiatives such as the ABA League, describing it as a positive development capable of producing the next generation of Nigerian basketball stars.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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