Veritas University defeated University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) 41-36 to win the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament, held recently at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Sports Center.
The two-day event brought together eight university teams from across Nigeria: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Veritas University, University of Ibadan (UI), Lagos State University (LASU), Lead City University, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) and University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
Following the group stage played on the first day, Veritas, ABUAD, UNIABUJA and UNILAG advanced to the semi-finals. On day two, UNILAG secured third place with a 57-50 victory over ABUAD, before Veritas beat UNIABUJA in the championship game to claim the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament title. ABUAD’s Anthony Chioke was named the NBA REC University Tournament MVP.
The tournament also featured halftime activations, including fan giveaways, dance performances and musical performances from Nigerian artists Taves and Samad, creating opportunities for fans to engage with the event beyond the competition.
NBA REC is the league’s recreational basketball platform for players ages 18 and older, designed to elevate university, community and adult basketball experiences. The tournament was held through the NBA’s collaboration with Future Concerns Nigeria Limited and Munch It.
Notable attendees included Mobolaji Ogunlende, Hon. Commissioner, Youth & Social Development; Onaopepo Adu, SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Sports Marketing; Babatunde Ogunade, Vice President, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF); Ernest Ugwuzor, COO, Future Concerns Nigeria Limited; Frankie Ohwo, Events, Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager, Tolaram; Zakari Momodu, Projects Director, Aliko Dangote Foundation; Reuben Chinyelu, Nigerian college basketball player for the Florida Gators; Groovymono, Laycon, and more.
The launch builds on the NBA’s longstanding commitment to growing the game in Nigeria through grassroots development and cultural initiatives such as NBA Crossover and NBA Meets Art. Fans can relive the action from the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament on the NBA Nigeria YouTube channel.