Ejike Ugboaja Foundation Screens, Trains Basketball Students Across FCT

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation on Saturday held a basketball training and screening exercise for secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT

The event, took place at the basketball court of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuj.

The founder of the Foundation Ejike Ugboaja, an ex-international basketball player and the first athlete to be drafted into the NBA from Nigeria’s local league—having played for the Cleveland Cavaliers—shared that he began this initiative of giving back to society in 2007.

He also announced that scholarships would be awarded to outstanding players. “For today, we will be giving at least 10 scholarships to America to the best players,” he said. He emphasized that the selected students would combine academics with sports.

Participants at the event expressed excitement about the opportunity and shared hopes for a future in basketball.  

One of the participants, Ezekousi Goodluck, said, “It’s an opportunity given to us to show the world what we can do. Many times, people don’t get out from their schools, but this gives us a chance. Now guys can go abroad and show their talents.”

Another participant, Orji King David, shared, “It’s a huge experience, you know, playing with an ex-NBA player.

So coming out here to reach us, to teach us, you know, it was a very huge thing. Well, I’m planning on relocating and then trying out for different camps. Hopefully, by God’s grace, I’ll enter one and then get drafted.”

The Foundation has promised to continue supporting underprivileged individuals using sports as a tool for development.