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
Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race
Joel Ajayi
Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.
Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.
The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.
The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.
“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.
The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.
Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.
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