Basketball
CDS Highlights Youth Benefits of U-18 Democracy Day Basketball Championship
By Joel Ajayi
The second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Basketball Championship officially tipped off at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with a vibrant and colourful opening ceremony.
The event brought together all 16 participating teams in a lively parade before the organisers, marking the commencement of the annual youth basketball tournament.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR), emphasized that the primary objective of the championship is to strengthen civil-military relations and foster national unity.
He noted that the tournament, themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”, reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents across the country.
“This championship is aimed at building the capacity of our youths to contribute meaningfully to national development,” General Musa stated. “Our goal is to strengthen civil-military cooperation by positively engaging young people through healthy competition, while promoting mutual respect and understanding.”
The CDS added that beyond talent discovery, the championship is designed to promote national cohesion and unity through sports.
“This initiative serves as a platform to strengthen the bonds between the military and civilians. It also provides a non-kinetic approach to addressing future security challenges through the cooperation of good and patriotic citizens,” he explained.
General Musa further highlighted that the tournament fosters togetherness in the spirit of sportsmanship and offers the youths a legitimate means of livelihood.
“In preparation for this event, we have assembled an impressive lineup of talented players, coaches, and officials. The championship features 16 well-selected male and female teams from the North West geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
The 2025 Democracy Day Basketball Championship commenced on Saturday, June 14, and is scheduled to run through Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Basketball
16 Teams, Academies Set for Action as CDS Democracy Day Basketball Tournament Tips Off Saturday
By Joel Ajayi
No fewer than 16 teams and basketball academies are set to feature in the second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship for boys and girls, scheduled to begin this Saturday, June 13th, 2025, in Abuja.
The championship, tagged the Under-18 Championship, is designed as a platform to inspire, empower, and nurture young basketball talents across Nigeria, while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
The week-long tournament will run from June 13 to 18, 2025, at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The participating teams—10 male and 6 female—are drawn from across the North Central zone, including state teams from Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Basketball academies and club teams such as Apo Settlers, Gilali, Suba, TNT, M2, and N-Youth will also be competing.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday the Chairman of the Organising Committee, retired Brigadier-General Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that the championship is expected to have a positive and lasting impact on Nigerian youth.
He said the tournament—themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”—aims to discover, develop, and showcase young players for potential opportunities at national and international levels.
General Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative, championed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, forms part of his non-kinetic strategy to enhance national security and civil-military relations by engaging youth in meaningful, community-building activities.
“The CDS understands the critical role of Nigeria’s young, vibrant population in national development,” he said. “This tournament is not only about basketball; it’s about promoting peace, inclusion, discipline, and unity through sport.”
Unlike the maiden edition, this year’s championship will feature both male and female teams, reflecting the CDS’s commitment to gender inclusion and equality in youth development programs.
“This event promises top-tier basketball action, fun-filled activities, and the chance for young players to win medals, trophies, and other prizes,” Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi added.
“Beyond competition, the championship offers a unique platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and national bonding among young athletes.”
To ensure transparency and credibility, the National Identification Number (NIN) will be used to verify player eligibility and eliminate age fraud. All games will be officiated in accordance with FIBA rules, ensuring professionalism and fairness throughout the tournament.
In addition to the games, the organizers revealed that the event will feature various side attractions, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
The CDS Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Nigeria’s youth, using sports as a powerful tool for national growth and cohesion.
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