Home Life Style History of Baseball in Nigeria

History of Baseball in Nigeria

Baseball was introduced in Nigeria in the year 1960 by the American Peace Corps but also ended when a civil war broke in 1966 and the America Peace Corps that brought the came to the country was forcefully asked to leave Nigeria.

The baseball was later re-introduced in 1989 when a group of Nigerians gathered together to form the sports federation called the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA). 

Since 1989, the association has arranged much competition ranging in 3 main age categories in both baseball and softball enjoying strong participation from the team in different cities of the federation. The age categories are under- 12 years, under- 16 years and also senior players above the age of 16 years.

The governing body since after its foundation has been working with some local and international organizations such as World Little League, International Baseball Federation and International Softball Federation among others to see that baseball and softball are still functional within the country.

Through the efforts, African Baseball and softball association, Minna, Nigeria; baseball or softball were received by the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa which made them become the medal sports at the continental level.

In the year 1999 and 2003; Nigeria emerge as the winner in the All Africa Games (AGG) and won silver medals and this made Nigeria emerge as 2nd overall second after South Africa in the whole Africa.

Baseball and softball have been in most National Sports festival which is known as the most popular national games that are being sponsored by the government such as Edo in 2002, Abuja in 2004, and Gateway in 2006, and KADA in 2010.

Baseball and softball are now played in most of the states like FCT, Minna, Ibadan, Lagos, Ogun, Plateau, Imo, Akwaibom and many others. Angels Youth Baseball Factory which serves a baseball club in Nigeria was formed by Adeyinka Adewusi later with the aim of promoting and developing the sports from grassroots.