American Cola has officially unveiled the newly renovated American Cola Creative Court in Ilupeju, Lagos, with plans to expand similar projects, youth empowerment initiatives, and community tournaments across Nigeria. The unveiling took place on Saturday, August 12, 2026, and was led by Planet Bottling Company, the makers of American Cola, in partnership with the Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Multi-Purpose Creative Hub for Youth
The renovated court is not just a basketball facility; it has been redesigned as a multi-purpose creative hub where young people can play basketball, create content, dance, make music, and express themselves. According to Naji Awada, Marketing Manager at Planet Bottling Company, the project goes beyond painting a basketball court. "We're thrilled to unveil this renovated court. This project is about more than new hoops or branding, it's about reigniting the passion for basketball, nurturing young talent, bringing the community together, and creating opportunities for future stars," Awada said.
Awada added that the Ilupeju project is only the beginning of the company's investment in grassroots basketball. "We want this to be just the beginning. Our goal is to expand to more communities, uncover hidden basketball talent and give young players the opportunities and attention they deserve," he said. He described the initiative as a long-term strategy, with more surprises on the way.
Community Jerseys and Tournament Launch
Beyond the court renovation, American Cola donated community jerseys to support local teams. According to Franklyn Eluagu, Communications Manager at Planet Bottling Company, the company produced 10 red and 10 white jerseys for male and female players, with an extra set planned for the following year to ensure community representatives have proper kits whenever they compete.
The unveiling also marked the start of the American Cola Basketball Tournament, with players from communities across Lagos battling for prize money. The court's reopening coincided with the second edition of the American Cola Shoot the Hoop and Half Court tournaments, with 24 teams competing in each category. Some matches were played during the unveiling ceremony as teams competed for a share of the ₦5 million prize pool.
Prize Money and Participating Communities
The competition featured two categories: Half Court Challenge and Shoot the Hoop. Teams came from Agege, Fadeyi, Eric Moore, Egbeda/Sango, Oworo, Ilaje, Mile 2, Akilo, Ikorodu, Apapa, Abule-Oja, Ilupeju, Ajegunle, Oshodi, Imota, Yaba, Surulere, Odi-Olowo, Mushin, Ojoo, and Akoka, among others. In the Shoot the Hoop competition, winners will receive ₦800,000, second place ₦400,000, and third place ₦200,000. For the Half Court tournament, champions earn ₦2 million, runners-up ₦1 million, and third place ₦500,000.
Eluagu said the revamped court was designed to attract creators, dancers, and music lovers. "This court gives young people a space to do more than just play basketball. Whether they create content, love music, dance or play the game, it's a welcoming place where they can develop their talents and express themselves," he said.
Community Support and Future Plans
Olamilekan Adeyi, Leader of the Legislative House of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, welcomed the partnership, saying it was already creating opportunities for young people in the community and helping to promote sports development at the grassroots. The combination of upgraded facilities and competitive prize money highlights American Cola's broader plan to support grassroots basketball and create more opportunities for young talents across Lagos.
