The Basketball Africa League (BAL), in partnership with two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike and her foundation, Queens of the Continent, launched a groundbreaking initiative, BAL4HER, aimed at empowering young women in basketball in Lagos, Nigeria. This three-day program, held from August 29th to 31st, brought together 100 young women, including aspiring U-23 players, female sports professionals, and local coaches, for a comprehensive experience encompassing networking, leadership development, skill-building basketball camps, and mentorship opportunities. The initiative underscored BAL’s commitment to fostering the growth of women’s basketball in Africa and providing young women with pathways to success both within the sport and beyond.
The program kicked off with an inspiring networking and leadership evening hosted by Chiney Ogwumike. This event provided a platform for attendees to connect with prominent figures in the sports industry, public figures, and leaders in youth empowerment. Two engaging panel discussions, titled “Celebrating Nigeria’s AfroBasket Champions & the Rise of Women’s Basketball” and “Sport as a Pathway to Opportunity and Impact in Africa,” highlighted the increasing prominence of women in basketball and the transformative power of sport. Speakers shared their experiences and insights, inspiring the young participants to pursue their passions and use sport as a catalyst for positive change. This initial event laid the groundwork for the subsequent on-court activities, establishing a strong foundation in leadership and career development.
The second day of the BAL4HER program focused on honing the basketball skills of 20 selected U-23 athletes. An intensive basketball camp held at the American International School of Lagos provided these young players with the opportunity to participate in combine drills, engage in competitive game play, and delve into career pathway discussions with Senegalese basketball player Fatou Diagne. This immersive experience offered valuable practical training and insights into navigating a professional basketball career. In addition, 32 local coaches participated in a BAL Advance coaches clinic led by Nigeria Men’s National Team Head Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed. This clinic equipped the coaches with advanced coaching techniques and strategies, further strengthening the infrastructure for women’s basketball development in Nigeria.
The final day of the program extended the impact of BAL4HER to the next generation of female basketball players. Forty-five U-16 girls from local communities participated in a specialized clinic led by the U-23 players who had participated in the previous day’s camp. This unique mentorship structure provided the younger girls with access to role models and mentors who could share their skills, guidance, and inspiration. The focus on passing down knowledge and experience created a powerful cycle of empowerment within the female basketball community. The on-court activities throughout the three-day program were overseen by Chiney Ogwumike, Coach Mohammed, BAL staff, and Fatou Diagne, ensuring a high level of instruction and mentorship.
The BAL4HER initiative exemplified a holistic approach to developing young women in basketball. It went beyond simply improving on-court skills and encompassed leadership development, networking opportunities, and intergenerational mentorship. By providing the participants with a diverse range of experiences, the program aimed to equip them with the tools they need to succeed as athletes, leaders, and mentors within their communities. The collaboration between the BAL, Chiney Ogwumike, and Queens of the Continent brought together significant resources and expertise to create a truly impactful program for the future of women’s basketball in Nigeria and beyond.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual skill development to cultivate a supportive and empowering ecosystem within women’s basketball. By connecting aspiring athletes with established professionals and providing mentorship opportunities, BAL4HER fosters a sense of community and encourages the next generation of female basketball players. The program’s emphasis on leadership and career development also prepares participants for success beyond the court, instilling valuable life skills that will benefit them in various aspects of their lives. This comprehensive approach makes BAL4HER a significant contribution to the growth and advancement of women’s basketball in Africa, laying a strong foundation for continued success and empowerment in the years to come.
