NBA Africa, Munch It Join Forces to Launch NBA REC University Tournament in Nigeria
Munch It has partnered with NBA Africa to bring the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament to Nigeria, in a collaboration aimed at creating memorable basketball experiences for young fans and supporting the continued growth of university sports in the country.
Munch It Brand Manager Enoma Aito said the partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to youth culture and its belief in the power of basketball to unite young people.
‘At Munch It, we believe the best moments happen when people come together around shared passions, and few platforms unite young people quite like basketball,’ Aito said. ‘The game represents energy, confidence, creativity and community values that have always been at the heart of our brand.’
‘That’s why we’re excited to work with NBA Africa to bring the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament to life in Nigeria. As a brand committed to championing youth culture, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for young fans while contributing to the continued growth of basketball and university sports in Nigeria.’
Nigeria has a rich basketball tradition and longstanding ties to the NBA, dating back to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Hakeem Olajuwon being selected first overall in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. More than 50 players from or with direct ties to Nigeria have since played in the NBA.
Three Nigerian teams have also competed in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) since its inaugural season in 2021, while NBA Africa opened a subsidiary office in Lagos in 2022 as part of its broader efforts to develop basketball in the country.
NBA Africa’s initiatives in Nigeria have included grassroots development and cultural programmes such as NBA Crossover and NBA Meets Art, alongside youth and elite player development, social responsibility programmes, media distribution and corporate partnerships.
