A non-profit co-founded by Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, Giants of Africa (GOA), has inaugurated its 50th community basketball court in Africa, reaching the halfway mark of an ambitious pledge to build 100 courts across Africa.
The milestone court, the organisation’s 10th in Nigeria, was sited at Kings College in Lagos, the country’s oldest government-owned secondary school, with the full backing of the school’s alumni association. The unveiling formed the centrepiece of a two-day visit by Ujiri and his team.
Launched in 2021, reaching the halfway mark looked like a near-impossible task but that is now a reality as the GOA accelerates toward its 100-court target. Ujiri expressed confidence that the programme will continue to expand across Nigeria.
“I remember when I was asked how fast we will get to fifty, we got to fifty now. You know that’s part of the journey,” he mentioned.
“Ten in Nigeria, hopefully we’ll go to other parts of Nigeria. We are really excited about this.”
Beyond the court handover, the delegation reinforced its commitment to gender equity in sport by hosting a women’s basketball coaching clinic.
Elite coaches with experience in the United States, Canada, and Europe equipped female coaches with practical skills, resources, and mentorship, advancing GOA’s wider mission of empowering women and girls through leadership and community engagement.
A youth basketball clinic followed the ceremony, bringing together 50 boys and girls from Kings College and Queens College. Led by local coaches and GOA’s own staff, the session underscored the organisation’s dedication to youth development and creating opportunity through sport.
The celebrations were capped by live performances from Nigerian artists May D and Mayorkun, who serenaded guests at the historic venue.
