Sports
Nestle Basketball Camp Excites Coaches
Basketball coaches who featured in the three-day Nestle Milo Top 50 Giants of Africa Camp, which ended on Tuesday in Lagos, have described the camp as the ‘heartbeat of basketball development in the country.’
The camp, put together by Nestle Nigeria Plc, was a follow up to the just-concluded Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball championships in Lagos.
Fifty male participants from ages 14 to 20, drawn from various basketball academies in the country and also from the just-ended Nestle Milo championships, featured in the camp.
The camp, now in its 10th edition, was dubbed a success by the coaches of top basketball clubs who featured in the three-day event, because of its grassroots source.
The coaches noted that more of such camps were needed across the country in order to spread the grassroots base of the Camp nationwide.
Coach Peter Ahmedu of Dodan Warriors of Lagos said that the event was all about development, catching them young and impacting the necessary basic knowledge of the game.
“Basketball is a great tool of developing the youths; we know most youths that play the game don’t have the fundamentals, so we use the Top 50 Camp to train them.
“The Top 50 Camp creates an opportunity for the participants to be recognised, based on their talents and they have the opportunity to be recognised by national and international clubs.
“It also gave the youths the opportunity to be picked for overseas scholarships, for exceptional players that excel during the camp,’’ Ahmedu said.
Dodan Warriors Assistant Coach, Chris Nomigo, said that the camp can be seen as an opportunity for young players to learn some rudiments of the game.
“We have trained a lot of players in the rudiments of the game over the years and players got picked from this camp and gained scholarships to high schools and colleges abroad.
“Through the camp, we have also produced a lot of players for the domestic league, such as Mohammed Buka of Dodan Warriors Club.
“The youths have a stepping stone to reach the greatest heights through the Camp; this is why the national team coaches, university team Coaches and club coaches were brought in,’’ Nomigo said.
Coach Joe Tomo of Mark Mentors Club of Abuja said that it was a great thing for the youths and hopes many other corporate oganisations would also come around to help.
“We need more camps of this nature organised in other states of the country because young players in Nigeria need this to develop.
“It is unfortunate that only 50 youths can attend, I think if people at the top can put politics aside and focus on the youths, basketball will go a long way,’’ Tomo said.
A highlight of the three-day event was a match between the players.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business4 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business4 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business4 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers4 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business4 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports4 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports4 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Sports5 days agoBeyond Limits Intensify NPFL Return