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
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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