Basketball

An Ex-Nigerian Babsketball player, Mobolaji Akiode discussed the poor state of the Nigerian Basketball and possible ways to rectify those problems with our correspondent Tomiwa Babalola

How do you think the game of basketball can be further developed in Nigeria?First and foremost, the Nigerian Basketball Federation must ensure that more basketball facilities are made available and ensure that young and agile kids are attracted at a very tender age.

Some said we can make do with the number of courts we have in Nigeria but that no one is wants to do anything except things are done for them, what do you think about this?Well I think we need more hoops because there are more kids playing the game now and to get adequate shots up and practice, there need to create more baskets. I was able to shoot up to 500 shots a day because there were enough facilities then but I don’t think one will be able find a player either male or female that gets 500 shots in a week presently.

How do you think we can get these children to play most especially those that their parents don’t allow?


You know I hear all the time children saying their parents won't allow them but we don't have that problem anymore because I see younger girls coming to our program all the time. We have to make parents part of the build-up process to allow their kids and also educate them as to the benefits of participating in the game of basketball or any other sports. That's all. If we can prove to the parents that basketball will help discipline their children and avail them the positive avenue to develop their leadership skills which will help them later in life, I’m sure they (parents) will be more than willing to allow their kids participate. Then we can as well invite parents to monitor their children by coming to see them while training at various centres.

Also why do most parents send their kids to play football? The reason is that the gains of football are heavily promoted unlike that of basketball or any other sport in Nigeria. Basketball sends more kids to high schools and colleges in America than any other sport. So, if these benefits are incorporated to our basketball and other sports in Nigeria, parents would be encouraged to allow their kids get involved in sporting activities

During your active days, what was administration like compared to what we have in today’s basketball?

During my active days as a basketball player, there were passionate people who moved the game forward and also won medals for Nigeria. And the country reaped the fruits of their labours. People like Samuel Ahmedu; he was the one that got me involved into Nigerian basketball team while Isah Umar discovered many other players into the team. Since then, the Nigerian basketball has gone into comatose as the game now lacks passionate mid-level managers who are fighting for its survival.

Every company needs a strong leader but really, a company's foundation is only as good as its employees and its managers those r the ones that run things day to day. Right now we don't have that.

So, how do you think administration in basketball can be revived to be better than before?For basketball administration to be better in Nigeria, it’s simple. The foundation has to be strong! in Nigeria. Meaning you get all the active, innovative, passionate and knowledgeable people together and make use of their talent and love for the game.




Young and energetic people who can go about spreading the growth of the game should be allowed to run the game. Sports administration across the bar in the country is entirely too old, I worked at ESPN and the average age at ESPN especially at the executive level are early to mid 40s, very young people run ESPN and of course many who love sports. Our sports ministry should have the most youth working for it and I don't mean as players but as stakeholders

You represented Nigeria at various international levels, would you say the players now lack the zeal and passion for the game unlike when you were playing for the country?Hmm! to say I know the players now and to judge them would be a bit presumptuous! I do know that we haven't rejuvenated our national team. I mean players older than me who I met on the team are still the players I left on the team. That is not a good sign for the game. Basketball needs a mix of youth and veterans and we aren't maximizing all our options and opportunities.

How would you advise the people at the helm of affairs to restore glory back into our basketball?

The people at the helm of affairs should ensure they keep sentiments away from choosing appointing the people that are qualified to run the game and not hire people because we like them. We must ensure we hire the people who have vision and are willing to commit to the development of the game. It’s like a basketball team I played with people I don't like off the court but on the court we were there to get one thing done which was winning.


You currently are running a basketball clinic for young girls in Nigeria, What prompted you to organise the clinic and is it your initiative or some of your colleagues are partnering you on this program?Two reasons, first is my love for the game and the second is the fact that I want to contribute my own quota to the development of basketball and lastly, my love for Nigeria. We all know there are so many things wrong but some people will have to right the wrong and I have always wanted to do my part so that I will be able to say I did my best to ensure positive change to the game and the country I love so dearly. As a child I had fond memories of living here so I am basically giving back to the country in my own way.

For now it’s just me but I believe soon others will join the cause to move our basketball forward. Already Masai Ujiri has been showing interest in partnering me and ensuring young girls are discovered and developed for future purposes.

Have you received any support from the government or the private organisations?

Oh yes! Governor Fashola and some private organisations contributed immensely to the success of our August camp in Lagos state. That is the key to sustainability

What benefits should Nigerians expect from the Hope4girls basketball clinic?Well, a few things really: One is that we support some of the girls to America for education whether high school or college. Already, we have two girls who are already in college in the United State and we are working on three other girls for this year. So basically, apart from teaching the girls how to play basketball, we also encourage them to take education serious because both sports and education go hand-in hand. We also organize seminars on the issues that affect a girl child and growth during our camp. Providing role models to our girls is part of what we do and ensure they have fun. When they are frustrated or down instead of looking for trouble they can pick up a ball and play.

How many states are you operating currently and what have you done to publicize the program for those who have not heard about it to be able to know and participate in it and what does it cost or take to join the hope4girls basketball clinic?Well I have done in 2 states, Ogun and Lagos and to be honest, it hasn't been easy but Rome was not built in a day and it doesn't cost anything for our girls to join. We are an NGO providing services to help the less privileged. So far we charge them nothing, I hope to start a summer tour next year where we have clinics in six parts of the country and from those clinics invite girls to the national camp .

You were the eighth Fordham player to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in your career, and also earned a tryout with the WNBA‘s Detroit Shock following her collegiate career, what was it like with all of those titles?Well those r a few of my honors! There is nothing greater than being able to be a part of something and leaving your mark on a school and an institution as prestigious as Fordham! I was also the female student athlete of the year my senior year! 2nd team all Atlantic ten conference, most improved player in the Atlantic ten my senior year! Funny enough I will be speaking at Fordham at the key note speaker at their breakfast of champions to the school's student athletes! So I am very proud to still be a part of the school! But my greatest joy will always be representing Nigeria in the Athens Olympics and also co-captaining the world championship team in Brazil.