Basketball

How “Fireball Basketball Tourney” Drives Talents In Abuja

Published

5 years ago

October 13, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Different stakeholders over the weekend lauded a youth-building initiative “Fireball Basketball championship” which they said would help build the skills of its young Nigerian, boosted their academic performances, and made the FCT a state to reckon within the country.

They made these remarks at the Final of the first edition of the Fireball competition in at the Area 1 basketball court in Nigeria’s Capital Territory, Abuja.

One of the organizers and the owner of the HotCoal Basketball Club in the Federal Capital Territory Mr. Ubon Udoh stated that his priority will be hosting at least one tournament in the capital city every month.

“It was a good tournament, it’s amazing the youngest team even won the tournament, this is why we do this thing, we have identified 2 or more talents that can definitely make a mark at National Under-16 level, we are going to make a case for them as try and get them some exposure, its amazing final three points game very close it really wonderful.

“Though my team lost that is basketball, if you don’t take the opportunity when you have it, you lose the game, we were the favorites for the tournament but like I said they did not make use of the opportunity so they miss it and of course this is home for a champion they have the supports from their fans, they have the momentum, and they tap into it and it work for them, we have to congratulate them.

When asked what will be the next move for the team? He replied, “My team is already playing in the Abuja city league, we have to register them already for National division One and this tournament is going to be an annual event so, that every year we are going to bring people together for the Fireball tournament emphasis for the younger players.”

An elated young organizer, Ruby Abalaka, said: “It was a very tough game at one point they were just going neck-to-neck and they were basically on a tie for the last 2 quarters, it was amazing the crowd was happy, the voltage was high, everybody was passionate about the game.

“Next edition we have a lot of ideas, innovation to improve on the game we are going to have a meeting and plan the next edition better we have something that we have noted them to improve on the edition.

“She said with the outcome of the game the objective of the game has been achieved: “as you can see there are a lot of people that could be doing worse things on the street, at this moment but they are watching or even play on the court aside that some players have been scouted, many will make it to the National team for trial.

“We are going to have more teams coming up, more games, we are going to have one on one coming up, we are going to have some shoot out, slam-done competition, we are going to have a lot more in the next edition.” She promised.

As for the Young Progressive Party YPP representatives, Mr. Bameyi who said: “the purpose of coming to the program was the sealed gear toward raising a new breed and our focus is young people so we want to catch them young so that Nigeria can become a better country in the nearest future that why we are investing in the youth.

“We are even preparing many more programmes including football tournament for youth across the country it’s something we are out to do and we do at all times.

“I want to call on Nigerian Youth to be resilient and never give up, to always have an attitude of succeeding at all cost because where there is will there is always a way they need to continue to be strong, creative, and innovative they will scale through there is nothing that has no end so it will come to an end.

While Speaking the most Valuable Player of the tournament Olawale Alege expressed: “I fell so good at the beginning they all underrating us that our is not that good, we can’t really perform and now look at where we are now, we are taking the trophy home I am just happy

“This tournament has done a lot both improving on my mistake, working as a team and I am really happy about that.

“It really hot me when I see the amount of talent we have in this country and still nobody invests, Nigeria is all about school, school and school all the time, people don’t look on talents

“School is very important don’t get me wrong but still every single child has a talent and I think we should invest in talent who knows what future holds talent is very useful.

When asked what the future holds for Olawale? He replied: “Honestly, I am certain the future is bright as for me the future is bright basketball-wise and I know the future holds a lot of prosperity.

“My dream is to play at the NBA honestly I want to make it to the NBA that is my prayer.”

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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