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
11 Days to AACT 2026: Munir Tijjani Assures of Nigeria’s Readiness, Government Support
Joel Ajayi
With 11 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the championship consultant, Munir Tijjani, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to host the continental women’s golf championship, citing the support of government agencies and key stakeholders.
Tijjani said preparations were progressing with the cooperation of relevant institutions and stakeholders, expressing optimism that Nigeria would deliver a successful championship that showcases the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality to participating African nations.
He noted that the support received from government agencies and other partners had been important to the preparations, helping to strengthen coordination and the arrangements required to welcome teams from across the continent.
The AACT consultant also assured participating countries and golfers that the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja would be open for the championship, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness to host the competition.
The assurance comes as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament, which will bring together women golfers representing their countries in a contest for continental honours.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship offers an opportunity to promote women’s golf, strengthen sporting relationships across Africa and showcase the country as a destination for international sporting events.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.
Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship aims to bring African nations together through women’s golf while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and broader continental cooperation.
With 11 days remaining, the Local Organising Committee and its partners are intensifying final preparations to ensure Nigeria welcomes Africa for a memorable championship.
11 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 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
