20 academies set for maiden Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament

Sports

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN)— Efforts to strengthen grassroots basketball development received a boost on Friday with the unveiling of the maiden Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament in the Federal Capital Territory.

Stakeholders, former players and sports administrators at the unveiling described the initiative as a strategic platform for discovering and nurturing young basketball talents through structured grassroots competitions.

Founder of the initiative, Lucky Abubakar, disclosed that no fewer than 20 basketball academies would participate in the inaugural tournament scheduled for July in Abuja.

Abubakar, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, said the competition would feature male and female players drawn from basketball academies across the FCT.

According to him, the tournament is aimed at reviving community basketball and creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents and gain wider exposure.

He explained that the Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) initiative was established to identify and nurture untapped talents from communities, schools and local basketball courts.

“Today marks the beginning of a journey that will transform lives, reshape communities and elevate young talents to the global stage.

“There is enormous basketball talent in our communities, but many young athletes lack the structure, exposure and opportunities needed to reach their full potential,” Abubakar said.

He noted that the organisation would focus on talent discovery, development and mentorship 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 also stated that the initiative would promote discipline, leadership, teamwork and character development among participating youths.

“We are not only raising basketball players, but also responsible citizens, role models and future leaders of society,” he said.

The pilot edition of the tournament is expected to commence in the FCT, with plans already underway to expand the initiative to other states in future editions.

Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, Ifeanyi Eke, stressed the importance of sustained investment and partnerships in grassroots basketball development.

Eke reaffirmed his support for the initiative, describing it as a well-structured intervention capable of revitalising grassroots basketball in Nigeria.

“Basketball development has been on a slow trajectory in the country, but the ABA initiative represents a well-thought-out plan for grassroots growth,” he said.

“This has always been our aspiration as stakeholders — to take children off the streets and away from drugs through basketball and education,” Eke added.

He further noted that the initiative would help nurture a new generation of youths grounded in academics, sportsmanship, discipline and moral values.

“The initiative by Lucky Abubakar and his team is highly commendable and has our full support in the FCT and beyond,” he said.

Eke also emphasised the critical role of coaches and academies in 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,” he stated.

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 basketball stakeholders, academy owners and sports enthusiasts committed to promoting grassroots sports development in Nigeria.