A Nigerian basketball premier league club side, Gboko City Chiefs basketball club has unveiled plans for European and United States tours in a bold move aimed at elevating the profile of basketball in Nigeria.
The club’s president, Orseer Ikyaator, shared this vision in a recent podcast episode with ‘D’bounce with Ojay’, emphasizing the team’s ambition to dominate domestically and expand internationally.
“Our primary goal is to win the league and make it to the Basketball Africa League (BAL),” Ikyaator said. “Beyond that, we want to build a sustainable program, offering opportunities for our players to participate in Euro and US tours. This is part of a long-term strategy to nurture talent and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian basketball.”
Ikyaator did not hold back in addressing the challenges facing the Nigerian basketball league. “The league is in a terrible state, and it’s hard not to point to leadership issues,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey to owning a team, Ikyaator shared, “I never envisioned owning a team until about three years ago when Gboko City Chiefs was up for sale. It became a unique way for me to give back to basketball in Nigeria—a sport that shaped my career with teams like Naija Borders, Comets, and Islanders.”
Ikyaator highlighted the club’s dedication to professionalism, ensuring contracts are reviewed with legal assistance for players who lack representation. “We strive to treat our players well, just like the professional organizations I played for in my career.”
He attributed the team’s recent successes to the players’ efforts. “Our players are the backbone of our achievements in the league over the past two years. However, it’s also about setting up a strong structure to support them.”
The Gboko City Chiefs president also raised concerns about the transparency of league operations, particularly during the bidding process for hosting the Final Eight tournament. “We submitted our bid following all stated criteria, but Port Harcourt won. It felt like the highest bidder took the prize without clear communication about the process. Transparency is crucial if we want to build trust and grow the league.”
Ikyaator expressed disappointment in the decision but affirmed the team’s commitment to competing. “We didn’t agree with the choice of Port Harcourt, but it didn’t deter us from fighting hard. Security challenges during the semi-finals, especially against Rivers Hoopers, added to the difficulties, but we pushed through.”
Despite setbacks, Gboko City Chiefs remain focused on their goals. “Our long-term vision is to keep competing and contributing to the improvement of basketball in Nigeria. We’re here to stay and won’t be deterred by challenges.”
Ikyaator also admitted that underestimating Kano Pillars during the playoffs was a learning experience, further motivating the team for future competitions.