Former NBA player, Al-Farouq Aminu, is strengthening his commitment to basketball development in Nigeria with a fresh initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of NBA talents.
The program, set to launch on June 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, will focus on talent identification and structured training for promising athletes. For nearly a decade, Aminu, fondly known as “The Chief,” has hosted basketball camps across Nigeria, giving aspiring players the platform to learn and grow in the sport.
His foundation, the Aminu Good Work Foundation (AGWF), has been at the forefront of this mission. The AGWF Elite Camp, held annually at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, has consistently scouted talented players, equipping them with the skills and exposure needed to progress in basketball.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Aminu shared, “I’m looking for talent…I’m looking for the next Chief, the next Giannis. Too many young players fall into the hands of fake agents who ruin their careers before they even start. I want to help these kids avoid that and show them that their dreams are real and achievable.”
The camp, now in its eighth edition, has already produced top talents, including Adenike Olawuyi, who currently plays for Nigeria’s D’Tigress and NKA Universitas Pecs in Hungary. Aminu’s vision is expanding. He announced that the upcoming camp will shift its focus from purely skill development to identifying future stars.
There are also plans to provide scholarships and pathways for international exposure. “A lot of kids reach out to me asking for advice on the next level of basketball. My agent is willing to support and guide these players to achieve their dreams,” Aminu said. He is also working on setting up sports infrastructure in Nigeria to ensure selected talents get targeted training and mentorship.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s camp will prioritize a smaller group of standout players, giving them personalized training and access to educational opportunities. “I want to give these kids the platform I never had growing up,” Aminu added. “If I can help them avoid the mistakes I’ve seen, I know they can go further than I did.”
The next edition of the AGWF Elite Camp promises to be a game-changer for young athletes in Nigeria, as Aminu looks to pave the way for the next generation of basketball stars the ones who dream of becoming The Chief.