As Nigeria prepares to rejoice its sixty fifth independence anniversary, the Chief of Defence Workers (CDS) Unity Basketball Championship is ready to return for its fourth version in Lagos, operating from 30 September to five October.
The competitors was formally unveiled at a press convention held on the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, the place the Native Organising Committee launched taking part groups, venues, and the imaginative and prescient behind the annual occasion.
Matches might be staged on the Indoor Sports activities Corridor of the Nationwide Stadium, Surulere, and the Molade Okoya Sports activities Corridor contained in the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Chairman of the Native Organising Committee, Aliyu Abdullahi, a retired brigadier normal, defined that the championship was conceptualised as a part of the non-kinetic initiatives of the Nigerian army, utilizing sport as a bridge between the armed forces and native communities.
He mentioned: “This championship aligns with the Chief of Defence Workers’s people-centric method to management, which inspires partaking with communities via peaceable means akin to sports activities.”
Over time, the Nigerian army has performed a major position in supporting grassroots and elite sports activities.
The Armed Forces have lengthy been a breeding floor for athletes who’ve gone on to signify Nigeria internationally in athletics, soccer, boxing, and basketball.
By internet hosting tournaments such because the Unity Basketball Championship, the army continues to bolster its dedication to youth growth and peaceable coexistence.
The retired Brigadier Common additional famous that the competitors is designed to strengthen unity throughout the South-West and past. “The target of this championship is to strengthen peaceable coexistence within the southwestern geopolitical zone and interact youths positively. The championship, a six-day basketball match, will characteristic invited groups from throughout the southwestern geopolitical zone and two different contiguous states,” he mentioned.
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Groups confirmed for the occasion embody Hoops and Grips of Lagos, Sports activities Nation 365, College of Ibadan, Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan, Ondo Raiders, Ogun Rockets, Osun United, Dodan Warriors, Ekiti Fountain, Delta Drive, Edo Beads, and Police Baton.
The organisers have put aside a prize pool of N10 million for podium finishers, with every taking part staff additionally receiving N800,000 in logistical assist.
The opening ceremony will happen on 2 October, whereas the match will shut on 5 October.
The CDS Unity Basketball Championship continues to develop in status as considered one of Nigeria’s most necessary regional competitions, combining sporting excellence with the army’s broader mission of fostering peace, unity, and nationwide growth.
