Paul Afiemo
The Warriors Basketball Academy has officially declared its intention to host the first-ever FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering grassroots basketball development across the region.
Scheduled for July 4-8, 2025, the tournament will take place at the Warriors Basketball Court in Ilupeju, Lagos, the idea for this tournament emerged from a recent FIBA Africa Zone 3 meeting, where stakeholders stressed the need for greater investment in youth basketball.
Following this resolution, the Warriors Basketball Academy formally notified the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) of its plans in a letter dated February 12, 2025, signed by Elder Toba Shinkaye, Vice Chairman of the Warriors Management Committee.
Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd.), President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, underscored the tournament’s strategic significance, stating:
"FIBA Africa has encouraged all seven zones under its jurisdiction to implement programs that will further grow the game. As a result, the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Board identified the Academies Tournament as a key initiative to achieve this objective."
To ensure a successful event, the Warriors Basketball Management Committee has set up an 11-member Organizing Committee, led by Elder Toba Shinkaye. The committee includes representatives from the basketball community and corporate organizations:
- Babara Harper (Chairman, LSBBA)
- Babalola Opeyemi (Webber Engineering)
- Tosin Beredugo (Ilupeju Vets)
- Gbenga Jetawo (Ilupeju Vets)
- Phillip Braide
- Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird TV) – Media & Corporate Engagement.
- Simon Evbonwa – Technical & Venue Coordination
- Adeola Ajayi (AOA Projects, Warriors Alumnus)
- Joseph Apu (FIBA Africa Zone 3 Representative, Committee Secretary).
With preparations now in full swing, the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament is set to become a landmark event in youth basketball development.
This initiative represents a collective effort to nurture young talent and strengthen the sport's grassroots foundation across the region.
Stay tuned for more updates.
