Nigeria young basketball stars head to Italy for Global U-12 showpiece
A team of Nigeria’s brightest young basketball talents is set to fly the nation’s flag on the international stage as Team Nigeria of the Impact Kiddies Sports Project departs Lagos on Saturday for the 34th edition of the MiniBasket in Piazza World Under-12 International Basketball Tournament in Matera, Italy.
The prestigious youth tournament, which runs from June 21 to June 28, will bring together young athletes from more than 63 countries, offering a unique blend of elite competition, cultural exchange, and international friendship.
Nigeria’s participation has been made possible through the support of Blueworld Cosmetics Limited, makers of the VIVON brand. The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ikenna Ekeagu, sponsored the trip as part of his ongoing commitment to youth development and grassroots sports in the country.
Officials of the Impact Kiddies Sports Project hailed the sponsorship as a major boost, noting that it eased the financial demands of international competition and ensured the young athletes would have the opportunity to represent both Nigeria and Africa on a global platform.
According to stakeholders, Ekeagu’s intervention goes beyond financial support, reflecting a deep belief in the abilities of Nigerian children and their capacity to excel among the world’s best.
Over the years, the businessman has earned recognition for championing initiatives aimed at empowering young people, with many in the sports community describing him as a catalyst for opportunity and positive change. His latest contribution will not only allow the players to compete at a high level but also expose them to new cultures and life experiences that extend far beyond the basketball court.
Organised by Pielle Matera Basket, the MiniBasket in Piazza tournament has established itself as one of the most respected grassroots sporting events globally, using basketball as a tool to promote inclusion, unity, and friendship among children from different backgrounds.
As excitement builds ahead of the tournament, Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make the country proud.
Fatodu backed the young squad to return home with the trophy, describing the competition as an important platform that aligns with the commission’s vision of developing the next generation of sporting champions.
Head of Delegation and founder of the Impact Kiddies Basketball Project, Ambassador Joel Adams, revealed that extensive preparations were carried out before the trip. He explained that the final squad emerged from a rigorous selection process involving talented young players from basketball academies across Lagos.
Leading the team is 11-year-old captain Oluwatimifun Adeoye, who is confident Nigeria can leave a lasting impression in Italy.
"We went through many screening exercises and the best players were selected," Adeoye said.
"I assure you that Nigeria will bring the trophy back home."
With ambition high and preparations complete, Team Nigeria now heads to Italy carrying the hopes of a nation and the opportunity to showcase the immense talent emerging from the country’s grassroots basketball system.
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