2nd CDS Basketball Championship dunks off, Friday in Abuja

...16 teams to feature at the Championship

...Event to be thrilling, action-packed - Retired Brigadier-General, Aliyu Abdullahi

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The 2nd edition of the Chief of Defence Staff U-18 Democracy Day Basketball Championship is set to begin on Friday at the Basketball Courts of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Package B, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

16 basketball clubs, 10 male and 6 female, drawn from the North-Central Zone, will feature at the week-long basketball championship slated to take place from the 13th-18th of June.

The age grade tournament tagged 'Encouraging Grassroot Basketball Talents', is aimed at discovering, developing, and showcasing young slamming and dunking talents across Nigeria, taking the game to a higher level in their hearts and minds.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Retired Brigadier-General Aliyu Abdullahi, stated that the championship will be rip-roaring and action-packed, and will feature various side attractions, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for athletes, officials, and spectators.

He made this known in a press statement made available to your authoritative and award-winning news channel, FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG .

General Abdullahi explained that the initiative, championed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, forms part of his non-kinetic strategy to enhance national security and civil-military relations by engaging youth in meaningful, community-building activities.

“The CDS understands the critical role of Nigeria’s young, vibrant population in national development. This tournament is not only about basketball; it’s about promoting peace, inclusion, discipline, and unity through sport.

“This event promises top-tier basketball action, fun-filled activities, and the chance for young players to win medals, trophies, and other prizes,” Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi emphasized.

“Beyond competition, the championship offers a unique platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and national bonding among young athletes,” he added.

To ensure transparency and credibility, the National Identification Number (NIN), of each player will be used to verify eligibility and eliminate age fraud. All games will be officiated in accordance with FIBA rules, ensuring professionalism and fairness throughout the tournament.

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