Ejike Ugboaja Foundation Awards U.S. Basketball Scholarships to 10 FCT Students

Posted : 29 June 2025

The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation on June 28 hosted a basketball training and screening programme for secondary school students at the Moshood Abiola Stadium basketball court in Abuja, with the highlight being the announcement of 10 scholarships to the United States for exceptional players.

The event drew participation from schools across the Federal Capital Territory, giving students a rare opportunity to train under the guidance of an ex-NBA professional.

Ejike Ugboaja, founder of the foundation and the first player to be drafted into the NBA directly from Nigeria's local league, having played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, shared his motivation for starting the initiative back in 2007.

“Today, we’re awarding at least 10 scholarships to America for the best players. The idea is to help them combine academics with basketball and give them a platform to grow,” Ugboaja said.

He emphasized that the foundation remains committed to using sports as a developmental tool, especially for underprivileged youth with limited access to global opportunities. Participants at the screening expressed gratitude for the exposure and inspiration.

Ezekousi Goodluck, one of the attendees, said:

“It’s a great opportunity to show what we can do. Most of us don’t even get out of our schools, but now, we can dream bigger, go abroad, and showcase our talent.”

Orji King David, another participant, called it a powerful experience:

“It was amazing playing under an ex-NBA player. I hope to get into a U.S. camp and eventually get drafted. This experience gave me real hope.”

The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation pledged to continue running developmental programs that focus on sports empowerment, talent discovery, and educational opportunities for Nigeria’s underserved youth.

As grassroots initiatives like this gain traction, the event marked another step in bridging the gap between local sports talent and international opportunities, and highlighted the role of former athletes in inspiring the next generation.

Ejike Ugboaja Foundation Awards U.S. Basketball Scholarships to 10 FCT Students

The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation on June 28 hosted a basketball training and screening programme for secondary school students at the Moshood Abiola Stadium basketball court in Abuja, with the highlight being the announcement of 10 scholarships to the United States for exceptional players.

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