Veritas win inaugural NBA University tourney in Lagos
August 13, 2026 1:59 am
By Peter Akinbo
Veritas University defeated the University of Abuja 41-36 to win the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament, held at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The two-day event brought together eight university teams from across the country, namely, University of Lagos, Lagos State University of Education, Veritas University, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, Lead City University, Afe Babalola University and University of Abuja.
Following the group stage on the first day, Veritas, ABUAD, UNIABUJA and UNILAG advanced to the semi-finals. On day two, UNILAG secured third place with a 57-50 victory over ABUAD, before Veritas overcame UNIABUJA in the championship game to lift the maiden NBA REC University Tournament title.
ABUAD’s Anthony Chioke was named tournament MVP.
The event also featured halftime activations, including fan giveaways, dance performances and musical sets from Nigerian artistes, Taves and Samad, giving fans the chance to engage with the tournament beyond the on-court action.
NBA REC is the league’s recreational basketball platform for players aged eighteen and above, designed to enhance university, community and adult basketball experiences in the country.
The tournament was staged through the NBA’s collaboration with Future Concerns Nigeria Limited and Munch It.
Notable attendees at the event included the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sports Marketing, Onaopepo Adu; the Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Babatunde Ogunade; the Chief Operating Officer of Future Concerns Nigeria Limited, Ernest Ugwuzor; Tolaram’s Events, Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager, Frankie Ohwo; the Projects Director of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zakari Momodu; Florida Gators college basketball player, Reuben Chinyelu; as well as entertainers, Groovymono and Laycon.
The launch builds on the NBA’s longstanding commitment to growing the game in Nigeria through grassroots development and cultural initiatives such as NBA Crossover and NBA Meets Art. Fans can relive the action from the tournament on the NBA Nigeria YouTube channel.
Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]