LAGOS, NIGERIA — On 30 July 2026, Rucker Park Africa officially launched at Rowe Park in Lagos, marking the beginning of a new chapter connecting the cultural legacy of New York street basketball with youth development and opportunity across Africa.
Led by Nigerian-American professional basketball player E.J. Anosike, President of Rucker Park Africa and Chairman of the Anosike Cares Foundation, the inaugural activation brought together basketball, music, creators, education, youth employment, local businesses and community programming in one environment.
Nigeria was intentionally chosen as the starting point. The objective was to use the reach of sport and culture to create something that directly benefited young people as athletes, students, employees, creators and future professionals.
565
Attendees In Person
70%
Under Age 25
150
Youth Jobs Created
100+
Athletes Competing
5,000+
Livestream Viewers
₦11M
Direct Value Delivered
Charity begins at home. Basketball and education have given me the opportunity to travel the world and build relationships across different countries and industries. For me, the responsibility is finding ways to bring some of that access back home and create opportunities for young people who may not have had them before.
— E.J. Anosike, President, Rucker Park Africa
Beyond The Competition
Approximately 150 short-term employment opportunities were created for Nigerian youth across social-media marketing, photography, videography, event management, logistics, catering, media, promotions and operations. Local university students joined as ambassadors and members of the production and media teams.
The Foundation also announced the Anosike Cares Foundation International University Pathway Program, and distributed 25 iPads and educational resources among young participants. Girls and young women were included in programming from the outset, with a dedicated three-on-three showcase and a career-development conversation led by Mrs. Ngozi Anosike, a Registered Nurse in the United States.
The Full Record
The complete account of the Lagos activation — all twenty chapters, competition results, photography and video — is published on the Rucker Park Africa Lagos 2026 edition page.
Media Contact
For media enquiries, interview requests or press materials, contact the Foundation directly. info@anocaresfoundation.org
The Anosike Cares Foundation is a global human development organization working across education, leadership development, youth development, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and community resilience.