BY ONOR IKECHUKWU MIKEL
The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu, has described the Jordan Nwora Basketball Camp as a critical platform for identifying and developing young basketball talents, while creating pathways to educational and sporting opportunities.
Ahmedu said that the camp’s role in equipping participants with fundamental basketball skills and exposing them to opportunities that could advance their careers.
According to him, the camp has continued to meet its primary objective of nurturing young players and discovering emerging talents from across the West African region.
“We have been able to fulfill our objective, the major one being to teach the youths the fundamentals of the game. We are also discovering new and talented players from Liberia, Ghana and now Nigeria. We want to help them take their game to the next level,” Ahmedu said.
The retired military officer, whose involvement in youth development spans more than four decades, noted that the absence of structured basketball camps during his playing days limited opportunities for many talented athletes to progress in the sport.
“The only way to lead is if you have gone through it. I started playing basketball at a very young age, but there were no opportunities for camps like this. In today’s era, camps have become one of the best ways to identify talents early and motivate young athletes,” he stated.
Ahmedu also expressed satisfaction with the turnout on the opening day of the camp, describing participation levels as encouraging and reflective of the growing interest in basketball among young people.
“It has been very successful. That is why I remain involved in other camps and championships. Some of these players have gone on to play for teams in Nigeria and in Europe. Through these camps, we are able to keep youths engaged and support their sporting careers,” he said.
He further disclosed that exceptional talents identified during the camp would be considered for scholarship opportunities at institutions within Nigeria and abroad, providing them with avenues to combine academic pursuits with athletic development.
“Some are going to get scholarships with national and international institutions. Once the foundation is well laid, the sky is the limit,” he added.
The Jordan Nwora Basketball Camp has established itself as a notable youth basketball development programme, attracting participants from different countries and serving as a platform for talent discovery, mentorship, and career advancement in the sport.