Crown Elite Basketball All-Star Weekend Set for Abuja Debut

Abuja will play host to the Crown Elite Basketball All-Star Weekend from August 22 to 24, bringing together some of the top basketball clubs in West Africa. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Mo Arena Sports Hall, featuring top-tier teams such as Nigeria University Games champions Nile University and premiership contenders Gboko City Chiefs.

This marks Crown Elite Sports’ first major event in Nigeria’s capital, after over 12 years of programming. Organisers promise an exciting spectacle, showcasing elite talent from across the continent.

“We are truly excited to bring the Crown Elite All-Star event to Nigeria’s vibrant capital city, Abuja. This edition promises to be thrilling, as it not only celebrates the heart of basketball in our nation but also emphasises the importance of education among athletes,” said Hanson Oguche, President of Crown Elite Sports and founder of the organisation.

The three-day event kicks off on August 22 with exhibition games featuring six teams, including Mo Heat Basketball Club, Royal Aces Basketball Club, and Air Warriors Basketball Club. The Hotcoal Basketball Foundation will serve as a key sponsor.

On August 23, the spotlight shifts to the main All-Star games, headlined by a clash between the Sahel Conference Co-Ed Select Team, led by Nile University coach Hamza Abubakar, and the Oceanic Conference Team, coached by Ogoh Odaudu, 2024 NBA BAL Coach of the Year and current Rivers Hoopers and Nigeria national team head coach.

A special Legends Match will also take place on the same day, pitting ABU Kings Alumni against a Rest of World Veterans Select Team.

Dr. Ubong Udo, founder of Hotcoal Basketball Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Crown Elite Sports, highlighting its role in athlete empowerment and visibility.

The All-Star weekend will wrap up on August 24 with a VIP invite-only Awards Presentation, recognising top players, coaches, technical officials, and key stakeholders in Nigerian basketball.

Fans can also look forward to crowd-favourite contests, including slam dunk and three-point shooting competitions, adding entertainment flair to what organisers aim to make the premier platform for showcasing African basketball talent.

Founded by former international player Hanson Oguche, Crown Elite Sports is dedicated to unlocking the potential of young and professional athletes through championships, player development, and educational programmes.