On the cracked courts of Surulere, Ebuka Okere, an 18-year-old basketball participant, continues to chase his dream of constructing it huge regardless of years of setbacks and struggles.
Recognized in his neighborhood for his ardour and willpower, Okere stands out as one of many few who’ve refused to give up the sport, at the same time as a lot of his friends dropped out resulting from monetary and private challenges.
His journey has been removed from clean. From recurring accidents to a scarcity of correct amenities and restricted alternatives, o has needed to battle for each likelihood to play.
“Generally I can’t even afford good sneakers or transport to coaching, however I nonetheless discover my method to the court docket,” Okere instructed this reporter.
At the moment, he competes in small neighborhood tournaments and pickup video games throughout Surulere and Yaba. However his eyes are set on greater levels: in the future donning the colours of Nigerian basketball giants Rivers Hoopers or Lagos Islanders.
Okere traces his ardour again to secondary faculty, when he first picked up a basketball.
“The primary time I held the ball, I felt one thing particular. That’s after I knew this was what I needed to do,” he recalled.
Regardless of the frustrations, his motivation stays robust, fueled by a want to encourage.
“I need to encourage boys in my space who really feel like they’ll’t make it. If I succeed, it received’t simply be for me, it is going to be for them too,” he defined.
For now, his title is but to echo on the nationwide stage, however his resilience embodies the spirit of many younger Nigerian athletes—dreamers combating in opposition to the chances. With the proper assist, Okere believes he can overcome his setbacks and in the future symbolize Lagos and Nigeria on the highest ranges of basketball.
