Ex-Player Wants Nigerians To Invest In B’Ball

An ex-basketball player, Mustapha Suleiman, has appealed to Nigerians to invest in the development of the sport to empower the youth.

Suleiman, a member of the board of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), made the appeal  this week in Lagos while sharing his experiences on the recent clinic he organised for youths.

Suleiman, who played in the U.S., organised an eight-day clinic for U-16 boys in Kano in the North-West Zone of the country this month.

He said  that if everyone could contribute to the development of the game in his or her zone and beyond, the society would be better for it.

The NBBF official said that regular clinics and competitions for young basketball talents would expose them to the fundamentals of the game.

Suleiman said that when the clinic was running, he found out that the number he expected to participate doubled.

“It was a clear indication that talents abound at the grassroots and are eagerly waiting to have the opportunity to develop their skills.

“We should all join hands by giving them that opportunity in any small measure we can.

“Providing them with a platform to interaction with professional players, coaches and scouts during training sessions and competitions will help them to hone their skills,’’ he said.

Suleiman, who represents the North-West Zone on the NBBF board, noted that when sports were taken to the grassroots they would help to curb idleness and vices.

He appealed to Nigerians to develop the sport in their geo-political zones and Local Government Areas.

According to him, youths are the leaders of tomorrow and as such, need good foundation through sports and education.