DHQ Set to Host 4th CDS Unity Basketball Championship in Lagos

‎The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that all is set for the Fourth Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Unity Basketball Championship (South-West Zone), billed to take place from September 30 to October 5, 2025, in Lagos.
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‎The games will be staged at the National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, with 12 elite male basketball teams drawn from the South-West and neighbouring states slugging it out, alongside a military team. Veterans’ exhibition matches and halftime entertainment will also spice up the weeklong event.
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‎Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the championship has become one of the CDS’ most impactful non-kinetic strategies to engage Nigerian youths productively while fostering peace, unity, and resilience across communities.
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‎“This tournament is not just about basketball,” he noted. “It is about nation-building. The Unity Basketball Championship is a platform to unite communities, inspire the youth, and reinforce the values of teamwork and discipline. Through non-kinetic approaches, we aim to promote a stronger, more united Nigeria.”
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‎According to the DHQ, the objectives of the competition include: promoting unity and peace through sports, engaging youths in positive activities to steer them away from social vices, strengthening civil-military relations through sportsmanship and fair play, and discovering young talents who can represent Nigeria internationally.
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‎Aside from trophies, medals, and certificates, special prizes will be awarded, including the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The grand finale promises an exhibition match featuring veteran stars, musical performances, and the official presentation of honours to outstanding athletes and teams.
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‎Calling on Nigerians to come out en masse, the Defence Headquarters stressed that the tournament is an open invitation to all lovers of sports, peace, and unity. “We urge the public, sports enthusiasts, and the media to be part of this thrilling fusion of sports, entertainment, and patriotism in Lagos,” Gusau added.
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‎For media accreditation, the DHQ advised journalists and reporters to contact the championship’s press coordinators: Olumide Oyedeji (+234 803 702 0008) and Abdullahi Mohammed Lawal (+234 802 300 2930).
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