16 Teams Advance as Inaugural ABA Basketball League Enters Knockout Stage
The inaugural 2026 Abuja Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) League has reached the knockout stage, with 16 teams advancing in the race for the title.
The grassroots competition, which has brought together 40 academy teams—20 boys' and 20 girls' teams—and more than 500 young players, has continued to generate excitement as the battle for the inaugural crown intensifies.
After a competitive group phase, the top eight teams in both the boys' and girls' categories booked their places in the knockout rounds, where the competition is expected to become even more intense.
The tournament has provided a major platform for young Nigerian basketball talents to showcase their skills, with coaches, scouts and basketball stakeholders closely monitoring the action.
Organisers believe the ABA League can play a crucial role in strengthening grassroots basketball and creating a sustainable pathway for the discovery and development of future stars.
With the competition now entering its decisive stage, the remaining teams will battle for places in the semi-finals and the opportunity to make history as the first champions of the ABA League.
The tournament is being staged as part of efforts to provide more competitive opportunities for young players and strengthen the future of Nigerian basketball from the grassroots level.
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