The Big Dream of Northern Nigeria's Female Basketball Players

Abuja, Nigeria – Khamila Sani Ibrahim grew up in Kano State, northern Nigeria, a region where opportunities for girls to participate in organized sports were extremely limited and it was rare to see women on the basketball court.

Every time she returned from school to visit her grandparents, Ibrahim had to find a way to fit basketball practice around her family's expectations. "Training for basketball was very difficult for me. I would only go out to play when they weren't at home, or I'd say I was visiting friends, and from there I'd head to the court," the young player shared.

In communities across northern Nigeria, sports like basketball and football have long been considered male spaces. For girls who want to play, the barriers include a lack of courts, equipment, coaches, funding, and few competitive opportunities.

A New Path from the Community

Now, through the Grassroots To Greatness (G2G) initiative, which focuses on empowering women in sports, girls are gaining the chance to train, compete, and develop their skills.

Jawahir Bello, a youth sports activist, founded the program after noticing how few opportunities existed for girls in the region. At the tournaments, female players wear specially designed hijabs, long playing jerseys, and athletic leggings.

"Our core value is participating in sports without going against the cultural values or identity of Muslims. Whether you wear a hijab or wear undergarments under your jersey, modesty is important. You go onto the court in neat and modest attire," Bello told Al Jazeera.

Although she anticipated possible pushback from some communities when organizing women-only tournaments and training sessions, Bello said she received support from community stakeholders. To mobilize participants, G2G works directly with local coaches who already run community teams.

A Space of Their Own for Girls

When Ibrahim represented Kano State at the G2G inter-state tournament featuring female players from up to nine states, she found an environment completely different from the male-dominated local teams she had previously played on, where girls were often underestimated.

"G2G has done an amazing thing for us. They provided jerseys, specially designed hijabs, basketballs, travel support, and even financial allowances for all teams, regardless of winning or losing. It makes us feel seen and valued," Ibrahim said.

Fatima Diouf, another young player in Abuja, started playing basketball at age 11 at her school. She joined the G2G program to test herself against stronger opponents. Although her team didn't reach the finals, she left the tournament with valuable lessons. "I learned more than just basketball. I learned teamwork, confidence, discipline, and how to constantly improve myself," Fatima shared.

Challenges Beyond the Court

For Ibrahim, finding time to get to the court remains difficult. She has had to overcome self-doubt and the dismissive attitudes of boys who claim girls cannot play at the same level. She also balances a strict training schedule with household chores and schoolwork.

Mansur Abdullahi, assistant coach of Nigeria's U-20 women's football team (the Falconets), believes coaches and community organizations can create opportunities for young athletes that the larger sports system struggles to reach. "Official sports bodies have big structures, but local groups provide real trust and cultural understanding. Only through community-based initiatives can professional teams understand what suits men and women, and how to shape sports to align with existing values rather than conflict with them," he said.

Reaching for New Heights

For many participants, the tournaments are a chance to test themselves against new opponents and think about next steps. Before joining G2G, Ibrahim's father worried that competing in sports might conflict with family norms. But after coming to watch his daughter play, seeing the sports attire and the program's professional environment, he became one of her biggest supporters.

"I want to earn a sports scholarship to a university in the U.S. and become a professional player. More than that, I want other Muslim girls across northern Nigeria to see that sports keeps you healthy, strong, and confident, and that nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams," Ibrahim said.

Seeing the network of coaches, stakeholders, and organizers at the tournament also helped Diouf broaden her horizons and envision a future competing across Africa. With G2G, ambition extends beyond organizing women-only tournaments. Bello wants the program to show girls that there is a place for them in sports and that they can compete without having to give up their identity.

"You can keep your identity, dress modestly, and still achieve success in life," Bello said.