Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has appointed basketball coach and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Technical Committee member, Scott Nnaji, as Head Coach of its basketball team.
The Director of Public Affairs of the university, Malam Auwalu Umar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Zaria.
Umar added that Nnaji was also appointed General Manager-designate of the university’s proposed basketball academy.
He said that Nnaji’s contract assigned him the dual responsibility of leading the university’s basketball team and overseeing the establishment of the proposed basketball academy as pioneer General Manager.
He said that Nnaji, President of the Basketball Coaches Association of Nigeria (BCAN) and a technical member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Board, has extensive coaching and basketball administration experience.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adamu Ahmed who signed the appointment letter, expressed confidence in Nnaji’s capacity to reposition the university’s basketball programme for greater success.
Ahmed said the appointment reflected Nnaji’s distinguished professional accomplishments and enduring ties with his alma mater.
He added that the vice-chancellor noted Nnaji’s wealth of experience, expressing confidence that such experience would strengthen the university’s basketball tradition and future aspirations.
“Nnaji’s experience as head coach of Nigeria’s junior national teams and the senior women’s national team prepared him adequately for the responsibilities of his new appointment.
“The university expects Nnaji to strengthen its basketball heritage through innovative coaching methods that will enhance performance, discipline, competitiveness and the overall development of student-athletes within the institution.
“Nnaji will also develop the proposed basketball academy into a sustainable platform for discovering young talents and creating opportunities for youth development through sports, education and personal advancement,” he said.
The vice-chancellor expressed confidence that Nnaji’s leadership, vision and commitment would inspire the university’s athletes and contribute significantly to the continued growth of basketball within ABU and across Nigeria.
Nnaji, an alumnus of the university, began his coaching career with the Nigeria Customs basketball team, serving as head coach of the then national champions in 2000.
Nnaji later became head coach of Nigeria’s Under-18 men’s basketball team, the Junior Tigers, where he led preparations for FIBA World Cup qualifying competitions and strengthened player development programmes.
