The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has intensified efforts to revive grassroots basketball development in Nigeria with the successful staging of a one-day coaching clinic in Makurdi, Benue state, where coaches were equipped with modern coaching techniques and best practices aimed at improving the game across the country.

The Makurdi clinic, which attracted 11 coaches from eight basketball academies, is the third in the series of nationwide capacity-building programmes organised by the ABA, following similar sessions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Minna, Niger state. Blueprint reports

The initiative was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Amateur Basketball Academies, Kayode Adeniyi, who said the programme forms part of the association’s long-term strategy to strengthen grassroots basketball and build a sustainable future for the sport.

Promoting grassroots development

The coaching clinic, tagged “Team Work,” was held at the Royal Choice Hotel in Makurdi and focused on improving the technical competence of academy coaches through updated coaching methods, tactical awareness, player development and the application of modern basketball principles.

According to the organisers, the programme was designed to promote grassroots basketball development, identify emerging talents and expose coaches to contemporary rules and coaching techniques that align with international standards.

The ABA noted that coaches remain central to the development of young players, stressing that equipping them with current knowledge would ultimately improve the quality of basketball at the grassroots and national levels.

ABA president calls for unity

Speaking during the event, President and Founder of the Amateur Basketball Academies, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Aliyu Lucky Abubakar, urged basketball stakeholders to set aside their differences and work together to restore the sport to its rightful place in Nigeria.

He expressed concern over the current state of basketball administration and development in the country, noting that the game possesses enormous potential to create opportunities for young Nigerians if properly managed.

Abubakar challenged the participating coaches to continually improve their knowledge and skills so they could compete favourably with their counterparts around the world.

He stressed that grassroots development remains the foundation for building successful national teams and producing players capable of excelling on the international stage.

Beyond recreation

The ABA president said basketball should be viewed not merely as a recreational activity but as a platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment and economic development.

He called on stakeholders to embrace collaboration and unity in repositioning the sport for sustainable growth.

According to him, the association’s nationwide coaching clinics are strictly non-political and are intended to bring together various stakeholders within the basketball community regardless of previous disagreements.

He explained that the objective is to unite basketball academies under a common vision of developing young talents and creating opportunities for future generations.

“ABA is ready to revive and develop the game of basketball in Nigeria through our ongoing nationwide enlightenment and coaching clinic, which is aimed at strengthening grassroots participation in the sport,” Abubakar said.

Mega tournament planned

As part of its long-term development programme, the ABA announced plans to organise a major basketball tournament later this year in Abuja.

According to the association, the competition will provide a platform for academies across the country to showcase emerging talents while promoting unity and healthy competition among participating teams.

The tournament is also expected to serve as an avenue for scouts and stakeholders to identify outstanding players for further development.

N400,000 support for academies

In a move aimed at strengthening institutional development, Abubakar donated N400,000 to support the formal registration of the participating academies.

The cheque was presented to the Secretary of the Benue State Basketball Association to facilitate the registration of all eight academies that attended the clinic with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The ABA said formal registration would enable the academies to operate within recognised legal frameworks while enhancing their credibility and access to future opportunities.

The donation was widely applauded by participants and stakeholders, who described it as a practical demonstration of the association’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

Technology key to modern coaching

Resource persons at the clinic also encouraged coaches to embrace technology as an essential component of modern basketball coaching.

The facilitators, including Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah, Coach Oyekan and Coach Alex Ujoh, urged participants to utilise video analysis, performance data and digital coaching tools to improve player development and tactical planning.

They explained that technological innovations have transformed coaching globally and challenged Nigerian coaches to adopt modern approaches capable of producing athletes who can compete internationally.

The tutors also emphasised discipline, effective communication, player welfare and continuous learning as essential qualities of successful basketball coaches.

Participants commend initiative

Participants described the coaching clinic as timely, saying it provided valuable knowledge that would improve basketball development within their respective academies.

They pledged to implement the lessons learnt by introducing modern coaching techniques, improved player management and structured training programmes.

At the end of the programme, all 11 coaches received accredited ABA Certificates of Participation in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

Support for school sports

Beyond the coaching clinic, members of the ABA board also visited Otukpo to observe the ongoing inter-school sports festival and summer basketball camp organised by Coach Peter Ahmedu’s AS Foundation Raising Champion.

Representing the Amateur Basketball Academies, Coach Adeka Daudu presented 10 basketballs to support the camp and encourage the continued development of young players.

The gesture, according to the association, reflects its commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at identifying and nurturing future basketball stars.

With coaching clinics already held in Abuja, Minna and Makurdi, the ABA said it remains committed to extending the programme to other parts of the country as part of its broader vision of rebuilding Nigerian basketball from the grassroots, strengthening academy structures and producing a new generation of players capable of restoring the country’s status as a force in African basketball.