Samuel Sani’s eyes widened as he received the invitation to play for the national team, his heart racing with excitement. He couldn’t believe it – he had been selected to join the Nigerian national under-18 basketball team! The 17-year-old power forward from kogi State, had worked tirelessly to hone his skills with the High Flyers Basketball Club.
Samuel’s journey began on the court of Benson Idahosa University Benin city, Edo State, where he would shoot hoops for hours, dreaming of playing for Nigeria. His dedication paid off when he was discovered by Coach Sunny, who invited him to join High-Flyers of Benin. Under Coach Sunny’s guidance, Samuel’s talent flourished.
Samuel Sani’s heart swelled with pride as he boarded the bus with his teammates from Lagos . They were embarking on a long journey to Ivory Coast for the African Under-18 Basketball Championship qualifiers, and he couldn’t wait to represent his country.
The 17-year-old power forward from Kogi State, had worked tirelessly to earn his spot on the team. He had spent countless hours on the court, perfecting his jump shot and practicing his post-up moves with his club, High-Flyers of Benin.
As the bus rumbled out of Lagos, Samuel gazed out the window, watching the Nigerian landscape give way to the rolling hills and lush forests of West Africa. The journey was long and arduous, but Samuel didn’t mind – he was too excited to sleep.
After days of traveling, the team finally arrived in Ivory Coast, exhausted but exhilarated. They settled into their hotel, eager to rest and prepare for the tournament.
But as they awaited the start of the championship on July 29th 2024, Samuel couldn’t shake off the feeling of anticipation. He knew that this was his chance to shine, to prove himself on the international stage.
As he lay in bed, he thought about his family back in Benin city, who had sacrificed so much to support his basketball dreams. He thought about his teammates, who had become like brothers to him. And he thought about the Nigerian jersey he would wear with pride, knowing that he’s representing not just himself, but an entire nation.
The wait was almost over. Soon, Samuel and his teammates would take to the court, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They are ready to give it their all, to leave everything on the court, and to make Nigeria proud.
