From Summer League to Coaches' Development: ABA Expands Grassroots Basketball Across Nigeria

By Eyere Ekuta

The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) continued its grassroots basketball development drive over the weekend, combining youth competition with capacity building as it honoured an invitation to the TNT Basketball Academy Summer League at the MO Arena in Abuja, while also confirming Makurdi, Benue State, as the next destination for its expanding coaches' education programme.

Leading the ABA delegation were President and Founder, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, Secretary of the Initiative, Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa, and members of the Board, who watched boys' and girls' teams compete across multiple age categories, from the Mini Hoopers to the older developmental divisions. 

The tournament showcased not only emerging talent but also the discipline, teamwork and passion driving the next generation of Nigerian basketball.

TNT Basketball Academy, one of Abuja's established youth development programmes, has built a reputation for using basketball as a platform to nurture children both on and off the court. With more than 200 young athletes enrolled across structured age-grade programmes, the academy continues to develop basketball fundamentals, leadership and life skills, an approach that aligns closely with ABA's long-term vision for grassroots basketball.

As already registered academy in the forthcoming ABA League, the Summer League also reflected one of ABA's key requirements: every registered academy must field both male and female teams, ensuring equal opportunities for young athletes to grow and compete.

Beyond observing the games, ABA President Abubakar Lucky Aliyu presented basketballs to the academy and training items to some of the youngest players, encouraging them to remain committed to the sport. 

He also commended TNT Basketball Academy for creating a structured pathway for young athletes and applauded parents and guardians whose support continues to fuel the children's development.

Joining him was one of Nigeria's respected basketball coaches, Coach Emmanuel Odah, who praised the academy's efforts and noted that meaningful grassroots development can only thrive through the collective commitment of coaches, parents, administrators and the wider basketball community.

One of the day's highlights was the performance of ABA's newly trained referees, who officiated matches throughout the tournament after graduating from the organisation's recently concluded Dream Alive Referees and Technical Officials Clinic. Their immediate transition from classroom sessions to live games provided valuable practical experience ahead of the proposed ABA League while demonstrating ABA's commitment to developing every aspect of the basketball ecosystem.

The weekend also signalled another milestone in the organisation's expanding national footprint.

Following successful capacity-building programmes in Minna and Abuja, ABA has accepted an invitation from the Benue State Basketball Association to organise a Coaches' Clinic in Makurdi on 28 and 29 July 2026 under the theme "Teamwork."

The clinic forms part of ABA's wider objective of equipping coaches with modern teaching methods, technical knowledge and player development strategies capable of strengthening grassroots basketball across Nigeria.

From children taking charge on the court to newly certified referees blowing the whistle in competitive games, the weekend captured ABA's vision of developing basketball beyond the players. As the organisation continues to invest in athletes, coaches and officials alike, its grassroots model is steadily laying the foundation for a stronger and more sustainable future for Nigerian basketball.