Lagos Sports Boss Supports U-12 Basketball Team for Italy Tournament

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has shown support for Team Nigeria as they aim to win the trophy at the 34th MiniBasket in Piazza World Under-12 International Basketball Tournament in Matera, Italy. The tournament will take place from June 21 to June 28, according to The PUNCH.

At a send-off reception for the young athletes, Fatodu expressed confidence in the team's ability to succeed. He said this tournament fits well with the commission’s goal of helping young Nigerians become champions and chase their dreams.

"There’s something speaking in my mind that you guys will return with the trophy. That you’ll enter each court with confidence. It’s a great privilege to sit before future stars. You’re representing Nigeria, you’re representing Lagos, and by God’s grace, you’ll represent the world," Fatodu said.

He added that the focus is not just on winning medals. The commission also wants to help the kids build resilience and character that can help them in life beyond basketball.

"It is important for them to understand that losing is not the end of life. It is part of the journey toward greatness. We are creating an atmosphere that enables young people to become successful in the future," he added.

Ambassador Adams Joel Igie, who is the Head of Delegation and founder of the Impact Kiddies Basketball Project, called the event a special chance for children. They not only compete in basketball but also learn about different cultures and gain valuable experiences.

"We make them see sports as a profession they too can aspire to be part of," Igie said. "We have had many children from our academy who have gone on to play in the NBA, so why not them? There are many talented children in this country, and when they see opportunities like this, they are inspired to continue practicing and working hard."

He explained that the annual tournament in Matera celebrates children and teams from all over the world in the same age category. This creates a space for cultural exchange and personal growth.

"The children are not just playing basketball; they are also learning other people’s culture. Every time they attend this tournament, they return transformed with valuable lessons," he said.

Travih Nunayon, the Technical Director of Sports at the Lagos State Sports Commission, also congratulated the young players. He urged them to carry themselves with pride during the tournament.

"Congratulations to them, they should represent their family, state and nation with pride and honour," Nunayon said.

Team Nigeria, made up of players from the Impact Kiddies Sports Project, will face kids from over 63 countries at this tournament. This event has become one of the top grassroots basketball competitions in the world since it started in Matera.

Simon Evbuomwan, the Technical Director of the team, shared that selecting the players for the trip was not easy. They aimed to form the strongest team possible within the under-12 age group.

"I was told to get the best within this age range, and that is what I have done my best to do," Evbuomwan said.

The team’s preparations received support from Blueworld Cosmetics Limited, the makers of the VIVON brand. Their Chairman, Mr Ikenna Raphael Ekeagu, sponsored the trip. Officials described this as a big boost to the project and a strong belief in the potential of Nigerian children on the global stage.

Many parents attended the reception to celebrate this milestone. They included Rosemary Chikezie, mother of Godspower and Isaac Chikezie; Remilekun Agbelosi, mother of Akinyemi Agbelosi; and Abiola Yaya, mother of Oluwapelumi Yaya. Team captain Timilehin Adewoye was also there with his elder brother, Oluwatobi Adewoye.

Eleven-year-old Adeoye Boluwatife Oluwatimifun, one of the squad members, shared his confidence in the team’s success in Italy.

"We went through many screening exercises and the best players were selected. I assure you that Nigeria will bring the trophy back home," he said.