ABA Launches Initiative to Boost Grassroots Basketball

On Tuesday, Lucky Aliyu Abubakar, President and Founder of the Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA), emphasized the organization's commitment to rebuilding grassroots basketball in Nigeria during a Basketball Coaches Clinic held at Royal Choice Inn in Makurdi, Benue State. Abubakar stated that ABA aims to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite basketball through structured academy programs.

He called for unity among stakeholders in Benue to restore its reputation as a leading producer of basketball talent. The ABA has piloted its program with 20 amateur teams in Abuja and plans to stage a championship before expanding nationwide.

Veteran coach Emmanuel Odah criticized the decline of Nigerian basketball due to a lack of grassroots development and age falsification, which he said harms careers and the sport's credibility. The ABA intends to create a sustainable system for youth development and establish a nationwide championship culminating in a grand finale in Abuja.

The clinic included participation from eight basketball academies, aiming to strengthen collaboration among coaches.