All is set as ten teams have been confirmed for the 2024 Musa Kida Basketball Competition in Lagos, Sports247 reports.
According to information released by the organiser, the developmental competition will feature boys and girls under the age of 17 at the Abesan Mini Stadium Estate, Ipaja Lagos from November 9 to 10, 2024.
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The participating teams are Warlords, JF Warriors, Estate Kings, Wellspring College,SDM Academy,Doregos Private Academy, Doozy stars ,Heat Kings and Mayor Suns.
Top three teams in both categories will go home with cash prizes, trophies and medals as the competition is bankrolled by the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Musa Kida.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s dunk off, the coordinator of the event, Tayo Adeyemo says the screening will be strictly done in line with the best practices as both NIN and birth certificates will be used to determine the true age of the players .
“We are going to make it strictly under 17 and all players are expected to bring their birth certificate and NIN Certificate for the screening.”, Tayo affirmed.
He continued: ” Coaches should understand that it is not a do or die competition but to expose the players. It is a pure developmental programme and we must be firm as organisers.Once a player is screened out ,there is no room for replacement”, noted Adeyemo.
Meanwhile, the NBBF Musa Kida who spoke at the event’s media briefing said the team should compete fairly and urged the players to take advantage of the grassroots competition and give their best.
He revealed that the the upcoming event will provide massive opportunity for the technical crew of the junior national teams to pick players for the teams and commended the organiser for choosing to use the platform to expose the future generation.
“You will agree with me that the competition is a productive one because we need to replace our ageing players and no other way to start if not from the grassroots”, said Kida.
The president then calls on well meaning Nigerians, groups or individuals to support the game of basketball in the country as the Federation is ready to provide all the necessary support and enabling environment that will make the game to thrive.
The screening of eligible players and draws will be done on the 9th of November and opening day matches to follow subsequently.
