Abuja Set To Host Inaugural Amateur Basketball Tournament With 20 Academies

A significant drive to bolster grassroots basketball development has gathered pace in Abuja with the launch of the Amateur Basketball Association (ABA). This new initiative aims to unearth and cultivate young Nigerian basketball talent through structured local competitions.

Professor D.C. Lucky Abubakar, the founder of the ABA and a Deputy Controller with the Nigeria Customs Service, announced that at least 20 academies are expected to participate in the inaugural Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament this July. The competition will feature both boys’ and girls’ teams from academies across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Professor Abubakar emphasised the tournament’s objective: “We are dedicated to creating opportunities for young players to compete, hone their skills, and gain valuable exposure in basketball.” He added that the event is designed to revitalise community basketball and identify future stars capable of representing Nigeria internationally, thereby strengthening grassroots development.

The ABA initiative will commence with this pilot tournament in the FCT, with ambitions to expand to other states in subsequent editions.

HRH Eze Ifeanyi Eke, Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, underscored the vital need for ongoing investment and collaborations in grassroots basketball. He highlighted the crucial role of coaches and academies in player development and the long-term prosperity of Nigerian basketball.

“Grassroots basketball development demands a collective commitment from stakeholders, academies, coaches, and the private sector,” Eze Eke stated. He commended the dedication of coaches and academy owners in mentoring young basketball talent within and beyond the FCT.

A key moment at the launch event was the unveiling of the trophies for the male and female category winners. The event attracted a wide array of basketball stakeholders, academy proprietors, and sports enthusiasts keen on fostering grassroots sports development in Nigeria.