Abuja is set to host an exciting new chapter in the African basketball scene with the Crown Elite Basketball All-Star Weekend from August 22 to 24, 2025. The event will bring together West Africa’s top basketball clubs, including Nile University, the champions of the Nigeria University Games, and premiership giants Gboko City Chiefs. All the action will unfold at the Mo Arena Sports Hall, a venue poised to provide the perfect setting for a weekend full of thrilling basketball action.
This will mark Crown Elite Sports’ first-ever event in the Nigerian capital, adding to its over 12 years of sporting programming. The weekend promises to be a major attraction for basketball fans, with a focus on showcasing the continent’s brightest talents while celebrating the growing importance of education among athletes. The founder and president of Crown Elite Sports, Hanson Oguche, expressed his excitement: “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.”
The event will kick off on August 22 with exhibition matches featuring six prominent clubs, including Mo Heat Basketball Club, Royal Aces Basketball Club, and Air Warriors Basketball Club. These matches will set the stage for the main event, which will feature the All-Star games on August 23. The Sahel Conference Co-Ed Select Team, coached by Nile University’s Hamza Abubakar, will go head-to-head with the Oceanic Conference team, led by 2024 NBA Basketball Africa League Coach of the Year Ogoh Odaudu. Odaudu, who also coaches the Nigerian national basketball team and Rivers Hoopers, is expected to bring his extensive expertise to the event.
Also scheduled for August 23 is a legends match between ABU Kings Alumni and the Rest of World Veterans Select Team, adding a nostalgic element to the festivities.
Dr Ubong Udo, founder of Hotcoal Basketball Foundation, expressed his pride in partnering with Crown Elite Sports to highlight the incredible talent within the Nigerian basketball community. “This is a great opportunity to empower and showcase the athletes who are the future of our sport,” he said.
The weekend’s events will conclude on August 24 with an exclusive VIP Awards Presentation. This event will celebrate the best players, coaches, technical officials, and stakeholders who have contributed to Nigerian basketball’s growth. Fan favourites such as the slam dunk contest and three-point shooting competitions will also add flair and excitement to the occasion.
