2024 Musa Kida Basketball Competition takes centre stage in Lagos on Nov. 9/10

Posted : 07 November 2024

All is set as 10 teams have been confirmed for the 2024 Musa Kida Basketball Competition in Lagos.

According to the organisers, 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.

The top three teams in both categories will receive cash prizes, trophies, and medals, as the competition is funded by the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s dunk-off, the event's coordinator, Tayo Adeyemo, said the screening will strictly adhere to best practices, as both NIN (National Identification Number) and birth certificates will be used to verify the true age of the players.

“We are going to make it strictly under 17, and all players are expected to bring their birth certificates and NIN certificates for the screening,” Tayo affirmed.

He continued: “Coaches should understand that this is not a do-or-die competition but an opportunity to expose the players.”

“It is a pure developmental program, and we must be firm as organisers. Once a player is screened out, there is no room for replacement,” Adeyemo noted.

Meanwhile, the NBBF president, Musa Kida, who spoke at the event’s media briefing, said the teams should compete fairly and urged the players to take full advantage of the grassroots competition and give their best.

He revealed that the upcoming event will provide a significant opportunity for the technical crew of the junior national teams to select players for the teams and commended the organisers for choosing to use the platform to expose the future generation.

“You will agree with me that this competition is a productive one because we need to replace our ageing players, and there’s no better place to start than from the grassroots,” said Kida.

The president then called 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 an enabling environment for the game to thrive.

The screening of eligible players and the draws will take place on November 9, followed by the opening day matches.

2024 Musa Kida Basketball Competition takes centre stage in Lagos on Nov. 9/10

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