ABA Promotes Youth Basketball Development Through Coaches’ Clinic in Niger State

ABA Promotes Youth Basketball Development Through Coaches’ Clinic in Niger State

By Our Reporter 

The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has continued its grassroots basketball development initiative with the successful hosting of a one-day Training and Trainers’ Clinic for academy coaches in Minna, Niger State, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The programme followed the success of the inaugural coaching clinic held earlier in Abuja and brought together 20 academy coaches alongside grassroots basketball instructors at Avant Garde Hotel and the 123 Basketball Gymnasium in Minna.

Participants were exposed to modern coaching concepts, with emphasis on the critical role academy coaches play in the growth and development of young basketball players.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President and Founder of ABA, Professor Aliyu Abubakar, urged coaches to embrace the initiative, describing it as a strategic effort aimed at transforming basketball development across Nigeria.

Professor Abubakar, who also serves as a Deputy Comptroller in the Nigeria Customs Service, expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions and stakeholders who have supported the vision of the academy and attended the clinic.

“Today is not merely about basketball; it is about building the future. It is about investing in human capacity, empowering youths, strengthening coaches and laying the foundation for a new generation of basketball excellence in Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that countries currently dominating global basketball achieved success through sustained investment in grassroots development, structured training systems, coach education, athlete mentorship and long-term developmental programmes.

According to him, the ABA Training and Trainers’ Clinic represents more than just an event, describing it as a movement committed to creating a sustainable pathway from raw talent to refined excellence.

Professor Abubakar also referenced the recent unveiling of the ABA developmental structure and proposed league system in Abuja, which received recognition from basketball stakeholders and sports administrators.

“At ABA, we strongly believe that the future of Nigerian basketball begins at the grassroots level. We believe every community court can produce champions, every trainer can become a transformational leader, and every child deserves the opportunity to dream through sports,” he added.

He further stated that the unveiling of the ABA League underscores the organisation’s determination to establish organised grassroots competitions and developmental opportunities for young athletes nationwide.

The clinic featured technical sessions facilitated by seasoned basketball instructors, including Coach Alex Ujoh, Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah and Coach Oyekan. The resource persons trained participants in technical and tactical basketball instruction, player development, physical conditioning, injury prevention, sports psychology, refereeing and officiating, leadership development, and athlete mentorship.

A major highlight of the event was an intensive training session involving more than 150 young and aspiring basketball players who gathered at the gymnasium to receive practical coaching and mentorship from the facilitators.