The Warriors Basketball Academy has expressed interest in hosting the inaugural FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament, an initiative aimed at fostering grassroots basketball development within the region.
In a letter dated February 12, 2025, and signed by Elder Toba Shinkaye, Vice Chairman of the Warriors Management Committee, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) was formally notified of the academy’s intention to stage the tournament.
The competition stems from a resolution reached during a recent FIBA Africa Zone 3 meeting, where stakeholders emphasized the need for greater investment in youth basketball within the region.
According to Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd.), President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, the tournament is a strategic move to enhance basketball development at the academy level.
“FIBA Africa has encouraged all seven zones under its jurisdiction to implement programs that will further grow the game. As a result, the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Board identified the Academies Tournament as a key initiative to achieve this objective,” Ahmedu stated.
The tournament is set to take place at the Warriors Basketball Court in Ilupeju, Lagos, from July 4 to 8, 2025.
In preparation for the event, the Warriors Basketball Management Committee has formed an 11-member Organizing Committee, led by Elder Toba Shinkaye.
The committee includes representatives from various basketball and corporate entities, including a Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) representative, Babara Harper (Chairman, LSBBA), Babalola Opeyemi (Webber Engineering), Tosin Beredugo (Ilupeju Vets), Gbenga Jetawo (Ilupeju Vets), and Phillip Braide.
Media and corporate engagement will be handled by Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird TV), while Simon Evbonwa is charged with technical/venue matters. Adeola Ajayi (AOA Projects and a Warriors Alumnus) is also on the committee while Joseph Apu is the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Representative as well as Secretary to the committee.
With preparations now in motion, the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament promises to be a landmark event in youth basketball development across the region.
