For the first time ever, the Educational Basketball Summer Classic — sponsored by Nike — was held indoors. The 2025 edition brought even more intensity, star power, and raw talent to the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, transforming the arena into a battleground for six elite teams: EB Elite, KAO Elite, Team Mezie, Anjorin Sports, Rowe Park, and Tunez Squad.
Spanning June 28–29, the first indoor edition of the Classic — and Educational Basketball’s second major tournament of the year — delivered non-stop action through a group stage and knockout playoff format that built toward a cinematic finish.
In the final, Tunez Squad faced off against Team Mezie in a double-overtime thriller that may go down as the most dramatic game in Classic history.
Team Mezie, trailing by as many as 20 points, stormed back in the second half. In the final seconds of regulation, Soji Ahmed (6’0) raced coast-to-coast and finished a clutch layup at the buzzer to force overtime — sending the stadium into chaos. In the first OT, Damilare Salami (5’10) knocked down a tough, contested floater to keep Team Mezie alive and push the game into double OT.
Then, with the championship on the line, Prince Nduba (6’3) of Tunez Squad delivered the dagger — draining a deep, contested three-pointer at the buzzer to seal a 95–94 win in what felt like a movie ending. “Man, the prize felt meh ‘cause we worked so hard for it,” said Nduba. “We were the only team that played three games that day — plus two overtimes. I was literally ready for that moment. Not gonna lie, if you watch the tape, I was already seated waiting before the pass came… then I knew I had to knock it down.”
STARS ON THE RISE
The tournament also doubled as a scouting goldmine, with high-level prospects turning heads across the board. Among the standouts:- Precious Faraday (6’6, KAO Elite) exploded for 41 points in Game 1 vs. Rowe Park, setting the tone early.
- EB Elite leaned on its twin towers, Taiwo and Kehinde Adedoyin (both 6’10), alongside dynamic guard Koko Adetola Clinton (6’2).- Team Mezie’s Soji Ahmed and Worship Adelle formed one of the toughest backcourts in the event.
- – Rowe Park brought gritty energy behind Kareem Joseph (6’4) and Tolani Buhari (5’10) — both of whom have played in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and represented the Nigerian national team.
- – Anjorin Sports saw strong play from Adeloye Adewunmi (6’1).
- – But it was the trio of Prince Nduba, Seun Otuyemi, and Sunday Victor who carried Tunez Squad through the fire and lifted the trophy.
CULTURE, SPONSORSHIP & IMPACT
This year’s Summer Classic wasn’t just about the players — it also showcased cultural champions and high-level sponsorship. Tunez Squad was backed by international star DJ Tunez, Team Mezie by NBA player Chimezie Metu, and KAO Elite by pro baller Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu.
With Nike’s continued support, Educational Basketball has created a powerful platform where global brands, elite talent, and African youth culture converge — all under one roof.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR EDUCATIONAL BASKETBALL?
As the dust settles on the Summer Classic, one thing is clear: Educational Basketball and Nike are rewriting the narrative of youth basketball in Africa. With more elite events on the horizon and international support growing, Nigeria is quickly becoming a proving ground for the next generation of global basketball stars.
“This is bigger than one weekend,” said Educational Basketball co-founder Iseolupo Adepitan. “It’s about culture, opportunity, and excellence. We truly believe Nigeria is one of the most talented countries in the world — we’re just trying to give these kids hope.” (NAN)