Oyo players shine at 10th AGWF Basketball Combine

The 10th annual Aminu Good Works Foundation Nigeria Basketball Combine culminated on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, celebrating the emergence of its First Team and two Most Valuable Players. Precious Jude and Ajibade Abraham earned MVP honors, capping off a three-day event that showcased 150 young basketball prospects.

“

It was a higher power. I just felt called to give back. And I felt I had the ability to do it. I had a calling to want to be back to my Nigerian roots. I realised that this is something that I’m obviously very passionate about. It’s been 10 years now and I’m going to continue to be passionate about it. I have a team and I believe that we’re primed to do some amazing things.

The combine drew 100 boys and 50 girls, primarily from Oyo State, alongside 15 coaches. Each coach was assigned to guide approximately 10 players, fostering a supportive environment for development. The event is a key initiative by Nigerian basketball icon Aminu Al-Farouq, founder of the Aminu Good Works Foundation.

“

I remember initially I just played for the national team, but the overall goal initially was always to have Nigeria basketball go to the Olympics and have us just on a national scale. That’s how I thought of it at first. And then after coming, you realise that basketball is just a small portion of the things that are needed for sure.

Al-Farouq expressed his motivation for the combine, describing it as a calling to give back to his homeland. "I just felt called to give back. And I felt I had the ability to do it. I had a calling to want to be back to my Nigerian roots," he told The Punch. He highlighted the foundation's decade-long commitment, noting its consistency despite a missed year due to COVID-19.

“

I would say just consistency right now. Yes, I think we missed one year and that was because of COVID. But yes, obviously, unless we can’t fly, we usually do the event for sure.

The camp's theme, "Who is Chief?", aimed to identify the next generation of standout players. "I want to find out who’s the next Chief? Who’s going to be that next kid who does their own stuff and becomes everything they need to become?" Al-Farouq explained. The combine is set to continue in Abuja from August 13 to 16, extending its reach and impact.

“

That’s why I named the camp, ‘Who is the Chief?’ I want to find out who’s the next Chief? Who’s going to be that next kid who does their own stuff and becomes everything they need to become?