By Onyekachi Agu

All is now set for the inaugural Amateur Basketball Academies, ABA, league, which dunks off Saturday at the Mo Arena Gymnasium, Zone 5, Abuja.

The league, which is a pilot test, will host 20 boys and 20 girls’ teams at four different courts at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Basketball courts, Package B, Abuja

The opening day games will feature TNT Boys against Suleja Bulldog as Smart Basketball welcome Tigers Basketball. In the girl’s category, Queens court faces One Ball while Dominion Basketball will spike against Takers Basketball

Briefing Academies Coaches in Abuja, ABA technical officer, Coach Adeka Daudu said 14 matches will be playing daily during the first week of the league, while the second week will witness quarter finals, semi finals and final. He urged them to see the league as not a win at all cost but a means of identifying talents, player development, coaching improvement, discipline, teamwork, as well as character building.

Addressing Coaches during the technical session, President of the Amateur Basketball Academies, Deputy Comptroller, Nigerian Custom Services, Aliyu Lucky Abubakar said the success of the pilot league depend largely on the coaches’ professionalism, cooperation, discipline and commitment to the development of the players. Aliyu reminded them that they are not only producing basketball players but also helping to build responsible young Nigerians through basketball.

” I therefore urge all coaches to work together, respect one another, respect officials, uphold the rules of the game, and place the interests of the young athletes above personal interests. Let this league become a model of fairness, excellence, and unity. “

” This parley is also an opportunity to discuss our technical standards, competition structure, player welfare, officiating, coaching ethics, and other issues necessary for a successful pilot programme. Your contributions are valuable, and I encourage constructive engagement. ” He concluded.

Among eminent personalities expected at the opening ceremony include Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, Chairman, National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, Chairman, FCT Basketball Association and Chairman, All FCT Sports Chairmen, Igwe Ifeanyi Eke, FCT Ag. Director of Sports, Iyiola Ogundele.

Others include Inspector General of Police, Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Services, Director General, Nigerian Television Authority, and so on.