ABL teams to increase to twenty – Udezue

From Lagos, Nigeria to Abidjan in Cote D’ Ivoire, the African Basketball League train is taking the games across African nations.

In the first game played on Friday, Izobe overpowered Lagos Islanders 73-67, while Abidjan Ramblers strength was too much for struggling Lagos Stallions to handle, the game ended 60-52.

High flying Izobe got another win on Saturday night when they defeated Stallions 71-66. Lagos Islanders bounced to winning ways following their defeat in the first game, the beat Rambles 84-72.

Speaking at the game venue, Ugo Udezue, CEO, African Basketball League said the idea was for the games to be played across African countries.

“We don’t want to be in Abidjan only, we want to be in Nigeria, Garbon and Darkar. ABL is not just about Nigeria, but using basketball and sports in general to create an opportunity for us Africans, because we have the best talents in the world and its an opportunity to bring back the game to Africa,” Uduezue said.

Udezue was amased to see the reception at the match where fans came out to see the best of basketball.

“It’s been wonderful to see fans come out and watch us, Cote D’ Ivoire is the fastest growing economy in Africa now one of the fastest growing countries in the world. There are great opportunities in basketball and sports can help grow the economy here. We want to be part of the ecosystem and capture the whole environment.”

This weekend alone, a million dollars have been added to the economy and this will bring a value proposition that will show that ABL is here to create in every city we go to.

He further assured fans that train will soon move to other African countries

“We are currently having conversations with different countries that want to be part of we are doing. We want to add at least six more countries next season. The Abidjan Basketball Challenge is a great opportunity to show to Africa what we can do and people that think there is nothing special about what we are doing to be part of what us and embrace us.
As the season winds down, the veteran basketball administrator assured that next season will be more exciting than this season.

“Like I said earlier, next season, I want our fans to travel to Abidjan, Garbon, Darkar and Nigeria.

“Next season will be bigger and better than what we see this season; we will be having at least ten countries and an opportunity to visits those countries and interact with these nations. Our sponsors and fans are excited and I can’t wait for next season.

He went further to say that the number of teams will soon increase to twenty in next two years as ABL grows.

“We are increasing the number of teams to ten next season; and in next two years we are going to have twenty teams in the ABL.

He however called on corporate organizations to be part of ABL project

“For the first time, I will give us an A+; we have done a great job and thankful all the people that has been part of this project; the press, sponsors, staff and to God.

Next season will be bigger than what we experience this season.
ANTHONY NLEBEM