Elevate Basketball Clinic organiser Akinwande Oshodi has launched a player performance-monitoring system designed to chart the development of young athletes and provide sponsors with clear evidence of the programme’s results.
Key takeaways
- More than 150 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16 attended the clinic’s third edition in Lagos.
- The one-day programme was staged at Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba alongside the Lagos State Basketball Association.
- Young players received instruction in core basketball skills, teamwork, discipline and personal growth.
- Oshodi intends to build a foundation and academy that unite sport, education and enrichment opportunities.
- Participants said the sessions had strengthened both their technical abilities and their confidence.
Tracking development and expanding the project
The third staging of the one-day clinic brought together more than 150 young players at the Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba, Lagos. Oshodi, a Lagos-born basketball supporter and philanthropist who is based in the United States, delivered the event with the Lagos State Basketball Association.
Players worked through sessions covering the basics of the sport, while also being taught the importance of cooperation, discipline and self-development.
Oshodi stressed that continued backing from sponsors will be central to expanding the initiative.
“Elevate Basketball goes beyond the game itself,” he said. “It teaches young people hard work, consistency and determination, values that can help them achieve success in life.”
The founder is planning to create a foundation and academy that would pair basketball coaching with athletics, enrichment activities and educational assistance. He thanked the Lagos State Basketball Association, coaches, sponsors and volunteers for helping the project continue over its three years.
Players encouraged to pursue sporting and academic goals
Participant Khadijat Muritala, who began playing basketball at the age of 10, said the clinic had helped sharpen her ability and strengthen her career ambitions.
“The coaching has increased my understanding and experience in basketball,” Muritala said. “It has encouraged me to keep working towards my goal of becoming a professional player.”
Abdulkarim Abdulrahim, attending the programme for a second consecutive year, said he had made progress with his handling skills, discipline and ability to work with teammates. Watching other participants improve has also given him greater belief.
“Some of the players were only learning the fundamentals last year,” he said. “Now they are producing advanced moves and hitting three-point shots. It motivates me to continue getting better.”
Sports nurse Bosede Ode, a former Lagos State Sports Council official, advised the young athletes not to neglect their education, stressing that academic credentials offer important protection and opportunities beyond a sporting career.
