The way I started playing was funny because I didn’t even care about the game. I witnessed some of my classmates and friends attempting to throw the ball into the net on the basketball court after school. Even though they did not know the rules, it was fun for them for some reason. I declined to go with them because I didn’t want to get hurt, and I was supposed to be on my way home.
Samuel watched from the sidelines, hesitant but intrigued, for a while. Yet the game’s attraction became irresistible.
I decided to join one day, knowing fully well that I was going to be in trouble for not telling my parents before returning to practice. I didn’t want to miss the fun, though. She also said, “Although I didn’t take the game seriously at first, just for the fun of it.” Samuel did not have a background in other sports, unlike many athletes. The 18-year-old stated, “I wasn’t into any sports as of then.” Her early days playing basketball were extremely difficult due to her parents’ initial disapproval and her lack of experience. “My parents were totally against it at first, especially mom
“She stated that I was still young. I would wait behind for practice on days after school, but I made sure to time myself in order to avoid getting caned by my mom. But one time, I went home late and realized that I was in a serious situation; I was unable to manage time because I cherished every minute of being on the court.
Samuel’s love for the sport grew in spite of the obstacles. But it was hard for her to completely dedicate herself to it due to the strict rules at home. That was when a kind neighbor, called “Aunty Nurse,” came to help.
“She was my saviour, my guardian angel; she would plead on my behalf whenever I got home late. She told my mom about her cousin who played basketball abroad one day. She urged her to give me a chance to play and watch the results.
“My parents accepted the idea, but not without a rule that I must return home at least five p.m. and complete some housework before going to court. I would be at the last bus stop playing basketball if I failed to follow. She stated, “I agreed because I just wanted to play.”
As she worked to improve her skills on the court, Samuel experienced both highs and lows. In 2020, when she went to a competition with her Divine Speed Basketball Academy, her school team, it was one of her greatest moments.
She stated, “That was my first time travelling without my parents.”
“We finished third in the game and were awarded cash prizes and medals—my first medal. I was pleased that I had something to show my parents when I returned home.
Samuel had another proud moment when he was chosen to represent Nigeria in the 2023 Giants of Africa camp in Rwanda. “It was my first time travelling by air,” she remembered.
When she wasn’t picked to play in a game with her team in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, in 2020, one of those disappointments was part of her path to success.
“I wasn’t good enough, and I had seniors on my team who were really good at playing.
Samuel even considered leaving basketball at times, particularly when a number of scholarship opportunities did not come to pass as she had hoped.
Samuel, a basketball player, faced challenges balancing her education and sports. Despite feeling like quitting due to unsuccessful scholarships, she remained determined to continue playing. Her coach, Amos Gbonwei, helped her with a structured reading timetable to balance her studies and basketball. Gbonwei believes Samuel is a great player with a high potential, and believes that if she focuses on basketball and works hard, she will reach her full potential.
Samuel, a young basketball player from JSS1, was introduced to the court by a friend who noticed her talent. Despite her early struggles, she excelled academically and was one of the best players he had coached. Samuel’s dreams include becoming a great basketball player, helping her parents, team, and coach, and becoming one of Nigeria’s best shooters. Her recent call-up to the U-18 D’Tigress team was unexpected, and she is determined to continue developing her skills.
