A foundation, the Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA), in conjunction with the FCT Basketball Association, is set to provide a platform to discover and nurture young basketball talents across Nigeria through structured grassroots competitions.
The founder/convener of the ABA, Professor Lucky Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said the tournament is designed to revive community basketball and provide opportunities for young players to develop their talents.
He added that the Foundation is designed not only to create opportunities for young players to compete and improve their skills but also to revive community basketball among the youths and get them exposed to the rudiments of the game.
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Abubakar said, “We are committed to creating opportunities for young players to compete, improve their skills and gain valuable exposure in basketball.
“The tournament will help identify future stars capable of representing Nigeria at international competitions and strengthen grassroots basketball development. The Amateur Basketball Academies was borne out of a simple but undeniable truth: there is an abundance of untapped basketball talent in our communities.
“Across streets, schools, and local courts, young individuals possess extraordinary ability, passion, and dreams, but far too often, they lack the structure, exposure, and opportunity needed to reach their full potential. We are here to change that.”
He added, “Our organisation is committed to four core pillars: talent discovery, nurturing, growth, and development, culminating in the presentation of our athletes on the global podium. These are not just words; they are the foundation upon which this institution stands.
“Through structured grassroots programs, regional academies, and high-performance training systems, we aim to identify talent early and guide it carefully through every stage of development. We are building a pathway from raw potential to refined excellence.”
The Chairman, FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, His Royal Highness Eze Ifeanyi Eke, in his remarks, called for sustained investment and partnerships in grassroots basketball development, adding that coaches and academies remained critical to player development and the long-term growth of basketball in Nigeria.
“Grassroots basketball development requires collective commitment from stakeholders, academies, coaches and the private sector. We must continue supporting coaches and young players because they are laying the foundation for the future of Nigerian basketball.”
Sporting Tribune reports that about 20 basketball academies, featuring boys and girls, will participate in the pilot edition scheduled to take off in July in the FCT.
Some of the academies expected at the competition are Suleija Bulldogs, TNT Academy, Game Elevate, D’emora Basketball Academy, KOK Foundation, JJ Basics, FCT Hardrockers, Ohceibi Basketball Network, City Star, among others.
