At the opening of the two-day Hoops With Gift basketball boot camp in Abuja, coaches and organisers called on accomplished Nigerian athletes to invest in grassroots sports, citing rising star Gift Uchenna’s commitment as an example to emulate.
The camp, held in collaboration with Gilal Academy, brought together over 100 young athletes to develop basketball skills, life lessons, and discipline.
National Basketball Coach Scott Nnaji, who led sessions at the camp, described it as a platform for both skill development and personal growth. “Participants learn not only from their own coaches but from others in the camp, which broadens their experience,” he said. “They will learn life skills alongside basketball fundamentals — the why, what and how of the game. Sustained youth programmes are crucial for improving national performance.”
Lawal Daddy, Gilal Academy head coach and Uchenna’s former mentor, praised her work ethic. “She was always ready to put in the work. That’s why I call her the golden girl,” he said. Daddy explained that the camp also aims to discover future stars who could one day surpass Uchenna, noting the importance of early development.
Christ Acha, national 3x3 coach, highlighted the stagnation of Nigerian basketball over the past eight years, blaming the absence of active leagues and poor management. He expressed hope that upcoming Basketball Federation elections could help change the sport’s trajectory.
Gilal Academy proprietor and Kaduna State Basketball Chairman, Skambo Morrison, used the event to urge other successful athletes to follow Uchenna’s example. “We encourage elite players to return home and support sports in Nigeria, not just basketball,” he said, noting the impact on both talent and national development.
Participants said the camp inspired them to work harder and give back. Forward Victor Chinoso said it motivated him to emulate Uchenna’s dedication, while female player Alisha Godson added: “Gift has taught me that consistency and hard work take you where you want to be. I hope to play professionally and make Nigeria proud.”
The boot camp demonstrates how homegrown initiatives and returning stars could play a pivotal role in rebuilding Nigerian basketball and inspiring the next generation.
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