Exclusive: Ministry to Begin Zonal Secondary School Basketball Competition in June

Exclusive: Ministry to Begin Zonal Secondary School Basketball Competition in June

By Niyi Busari

In order to initiate grassroot basketball development in Nigeria and give opportunities to talented youth, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has concluded plans to begin a zonal youth basketball championship across the six geo- political zones in the country.

The Ministry, through its Grassroots Department will leverage on its six zonal coordinators to start a 3-4 weeks basketball competition amongst secondary schools starting in June. 

Top sources reveal that two representatives are expected to emerge from each zone. The twelve teams will then come to Abuja or Lagos for a one week championship. 

Expected to be tagged 'Basketball Youth Talent Hunt', the tourney is expected to ignite developmental efforts in basketball. 

Only last week the Federal Government announced Nigeria's withdrawal from international competitions in order to rebuild the game of basketball and revamp the domestic leagues in the country.

Sources say the Ministry will in the next few days make further pronouncements on the road map for the development of the game in Nigeria.