The inaugural 2026 Abuja ABA league commenced on Saturday at the Mo Arena, Zone 5, Abuja.

Organised by the Amateur Basketball Academies, 40 clubs comprising 20 boys’ team and 20 girls’ team are taking part in the two-week competition.

The opening day event tipped off in grand style as the participating teams marched into the court.

ABA anthem, teams choreography, comedian and display by entertainers make the day an unforgettable one to the guests, parents, players, media and spectators.

In the opening match, One Ball defeated Queens court 14-6 in the female game.

However, the standout opening-day encounters saw TNT Basketball Academy of Abuja face Suleja Bulldogs in a closely fought contest.

After an intense battle, Suleja Bulldogs emerged 24-22 winners in a game that provided an early glimpse of the quality of talent on parade.

Founder and President of the Amateur Basketball Academies, DC Aliyu Lucky Abubakar, who declared the event opened, described the commencement of the league as a significant step towards changing the fortunes of Nigerian basketball.

Abubakar said the large number of young players participating in the competition demonstrated the depth of talent available at the grassroots, adding that the right structure and sustained development could produce players capable of competing at the highest level.

“This event is not merely a basketball competition; it is a declaration of our commitment to the future of Nigerian basketball. It is a statement that the time has come to build a sustainable system where talents are not only discovered but carefully nurtured, developed, and prepared for greatness,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the competition would attract the attention of scouts and provide some of the players with opportunities to pursue professional careers in Nigeria, Europe and the United States.

He urged the participants to remain disciplined, focused and committed to improving their skills, stressing that talent must be matched with hard work and the right attitude.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, His Royal Highness Eze Ifeanyi Eke, called for greater investment in grassroots basketball, saying Nigeria must rebuild the sport from its foundation.

Eke said competitions such as the ABA League were important because they would give young players the opportunity to develop their abilities while pursuing their dreams.

“These kids deserve their dreams to actually come true. They have a dream, and the dream is to go higher. So, we have presented this very big platform for them,” he said.

He urged government, sports administrators, coaches, the private sector and other stakeholders to increase investment in grassroots sports and basketball.

Both ABA technical officer and former Coach, FCT Basketball Association, Emmanuel Odah and Owner and founder, Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abduldumajeed Solademi, believed that if the league is properly sustain, it will help in bringing out the talents the country has been yearning for.

However, the opening day lived up to expectations, with the young players displaying skill, energy, determination and competitive spirit as coaches, scouts, officials and basketball enthusiasts gathered to witness the commencement of the ambitious grassroots league.

More than 180 games are scheduled to be played during the competition at different basketball venues in Abuja.

Among the venues are the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Basketball Courts, Package B, Abuja, and the Mo Arena Basketball Courts in Zone 5.

As the games continue, attention will now turn to the emerging stars and clubs seeking to make their mark in the inaugural competition, with the organisers hopeful that the league will become a lasting platform for discovering the next generation of Nigerian basketball talents.