By; HOSEA YUSUF, Abuja
Mango Foundation Basketball 80-man camp is set to hold its 2nd basketball tournament across the federation in Kaduna, aimed at giving back to the community and promoting local talents.
During a press conference in Kaduna, a professional basketball player and an Aeronautics Engineer, Yusuf O. Yakubu, said, “let me be clear, I’m not here to criticize our national basketball body and I don’t want to be quoted as a critic in your headlines today.
“I do believe that we can do better. If we work together and invest in our youth, we won’t need to rely so heavily on overseas talent. We can cultivate a generation of homegrown players who are just as skilled, if not more so, than their international counterparts”. He said.
He noted that, ” growing up, my childhood was one where sports weren’t just a pastime—they were the very foundation of how we expressed ourselves. In my community, if you weren’t kicking a soccer ball, you were on the board playing table tennis, or in my case, you were on the basketball court. Sports were our outlet, our hope, and often, our only way to dream beyond the limitations we faced.
“I found myself on that basketball court every day, honing my skills, using the game to shape my life and future. Basketball became my language, my discipline, and ultimately, my vehicle to success. It taught me about teamwork, perseverance, and hard work. But most importantly, it showed me that even if the road ahead seemed uncertain, dedication could always pave the way.”
” Now, as an ex-basketball player who has moved on to a career in aeronautics, one thing has stayed constant—the desire to give back. It’s that same love for basketball that inspires me to return to my roots and help young people, like the ones sitting in this room, to reach heights they never thought possible.”
According to him, ” this initiative, movement, is personal to me. I want to use my platform to invest in the future of our youth, particularly those in Nigeria. Growing up, we didn’t have the resources, the structures, or the opportunities that many other young athletes around the world had. We had the talent, no doubt, but there was no system to help nurture that talent.
“In America, where I now live, they invest millions into grassroots sports. They understand that the future of any sport—and indeed any nation—lies in its youth. This is what we lack in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Our systems are not built to support talent from the ground up. That’s why so many young athletes end up being overlooked or losing hope. I want to change that.”
He further said that, ” when I think about my own journey, one of the major obstacles I faced was simply lack of knowledge. When I moved to the U.S., I quickly realized that there were so many things we, as athletes from Nigeria, didn’t know. For instance, the NCWA clearance process was something none of us had been taught. We would wait for months—sometimes even up to a year—just to get cleared to play in college, all because no one had guided us on what to expect or how to navigate the system.
“That’s why one of my main objectives is to mentor these young players and give them the knowledge and exposure they need to succeed. It’s about preparing them not just for the game, but for the academic and regulatory hurdles they’ll face if they want to play at the next level, particularly in the United States.”
This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving young people the tools to achieve their dreams, on and off the court.
Now, let’s talk about the realities we face. Organizing these basketball camps, mentoring programs, and tournaments comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve experienced this firsthand. Sponsorship is always a major issue. But, like the old saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This is only my second year running these camps, and while it hasn’t been easy, I’ve been able to fund these efforts thanks to my work overseas and the support of like-minded individuals who share the same vision.
“It recalled that there are logistical challenges. But I am confident that with continued effort, support, and dedication, we can overcome them. We are already looking forward to bigger sponsorships and making this tournament a flagship event in the community.”
” I want to emphasize that I’m not doing this alone. In Nigeria, I am working closely with the communities to ensure that these camps and tournaments are a success. We’re collaborating with local medical professionals to provide first aid and educate the young athletes about injury prevention and treatment. Safety is a priority, but we also want to ensure that these kids enjoy the game they love in a safe environment.”
My vision extends beyond just the players. We need the support of the entire community—parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors. I remember the feeling of playing basketball with no family in the stands, no parents cheering from the sidelines. I don’t want that for these kids. I want to see parents proudly watching their children, encouraging them, and showing them that their dreams matter.
“To the parents here today, I urge you—come out, support these young athletes. Your presence can make all the difference in their confidence and motivation. Let’s build a community where the dreams of our children are nurtured and supported at every level.
“Basketball is more than just a sport. For me, it was a lifeline. I came from humble beginnings, growing up in a crowded home with limited resources. But basketball gave me a sense of purpose and the mental strength to believe that I could achieve more. It gave me the platform to rise above my circumstances and become something greater.
“Through basketball, we can empower our communities, especially our youth. This initiative is not just about producing the next generation of basketball stars. It’s about empowering young people to excel in all areas of life—whether it’s in sports, academics, the military, or other vital roles in society. It’s about building a community where success is not just a dream, but a reality.
“This camp, this initiative, is bigger than just one community. Kids are coming from all over Nigeria to participate, and we’re already seeing how much of an impact this is having. With the support of the community, state governments, and stakeholders, I am confident that we can make this basketball camp a national success.
“One of my long-term goals is to secure scholarships for these young players, both locally and internationally. We want to give these kids the opportunity to attend high schools and colleges in the U.S. and other countries without the financial burdens that often hold them back. Education and sports should be a pathway to success, not a financial obstacle.
“The only thing separating many of these young players from success is exposure. Exposure to world-class coaching, facilities, and mentorship. That’s what I’m trying to bring back to Nigeria through this initiative. I want these kids to understand that talent can take you anywhere in the world—as long as you are willing to work hard and stay dedicated.
“One of the issues we need to address in Nigerian basketball is the prevalence of favoritism. Too often, talented players are overlooked because they don’t have the right connections or aren’t part of the “in” crowd. That has to stop. Basketball should be a meritocracy—those with the talent and work ethic should be given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or who they know.
“We need to create a system where the game is open to all, where young players understand that hard work and talent will be rewarded. That’s what I’m striving for, and I believe that through this initiative, we can make that a reality.
“In closing, I want to say this: Basketball changed my life. It gave me the confidence, the skills, and the discipline to become not just a player, but a person who could achieve great things in any field. Now, I’m dedicated to giving back to the community that raised me, and to creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
Together, we can build a future where every child with a dream has the chance to achieve it. I am committed to this cause, and I believe that with your support, we can make a lasting impact on our communities, our youth, and our nation.
