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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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