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Basketball Africa League Team To Showcase Skills At Quai 54 Tournament
The electrifying Quai 54 tournament which is featuring the Basketball Africa League (BAL) brings its talented team to Paris, France.
It will witness high-level basketball, thrilling dunk contests, and vibrant entertainment with renowned DJs and special performances by Mokobé.
Sport lovers should prepare to be amazed as the highly anticipated Quai 54 tournament gears up for its 20th-anniversary celebration this summer at the prestigious Roland-Garros in Paris, France.
As the ultimate street basketball and urban culture event, Quai 54 promises two days of exhilarating basketball action, entertainment, and a showcase of talent from around the globe. In an exciting development, the esteemed Basketball Africa League (BAL) will be participating in this year’s tournament, presenting a team of skilled players from the league. This collaboration brings a new level of competition and excitement to the Quai 54 stage.
BAL Roster For Quai 54
The BAL team, representing various nations, will exhibit their remarkable skills on the Quai 54 court. Among the talented players who will grace the tournament are:
Childe Dundao (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Gerson Goncalves (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Ater Majok (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Chris Crawford (AS Douanes; Angola)
Ehab Amin (Al Ahly; Egypt)
Falando Jones (City Oilers, Uganda)
Dane Miller Jr. (SLAC; Guinea)
Adonis Filer (REG; Rwanda).
Highlights of this year’s Tournament
The Quai 54 tournament will feature 16 teams from 10 countries, including professional and amateur players. Brace yourself for intense knockout matches, culminating in an epic final on Sunday evening at 8pm. Both men’s and women’s categories will be fiercely contested, promising an unforgettable display of skill, strategy, and determination.
Dunk Contest Extravaganza
Prepare to be captivated by the incredible athleticism and gravity-defying dunks showcased in the Dunk Contest. This thrilling event will gather four renowned high-flying dunkers from around the world. Tyler Currie (USA), Piotr Grabowski (Poland), Chris Staples (USA), and New Williams (USA) will compete on Saturday evening, leaving spectators in awe of their jaw-dropping aerial artistry.
Unmatched Entertainment
The Quai 54 experience extends beyond the basketball court, offering a vibrant atmosphere packed with world-class entertainment. Between games, spectators will groove to the infectious beats of ten talented DJs, including renowned artists such as Lord Issa, Just Dizle, DJ Iso, DJ Pee, DJ Nasty Nas, DJ Ou-Mar, and DJ Jacks. Prepare to be immersed in a sonic journey that perfectly complements the on-court action, creating an unforgettable fusion of sports and music.
Electrifying Performances
Mokobé, the exceptional artist known for his infectious energy, will electrify the event with his captivating performances. Alongside Mokobé, experienced basketball commentators Duke Tshomba, Jamil Rouissi, and Lucas Nicot will provide expert analysis and insightful commentary, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for spectators throughout the tournament.
You will witness the captivating synergy between basketball and urban culture at the Quai 54 tournament. With the inclusion of the talented Basketball Africa League team, the event promises to reach new heights, showcasing the diverse skills and competitive spirit of the players. From the thrilling on-court battles to the awe-inspiring dunks in the Dunk Contest and the pulsating beats of the DJ performances, Quai 54 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for basketball fans and enthusiasts alike.
Make sure to mark your calendars for July 1-2, as the Roland-Garros in Paris, France, transforms into a hub of excitement and sporting excellence. As the tournament enters its 20th year, Quai 54 has solidified its position as the premier destination for street basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
This year’s edition brings together not only the best teams from across the globe but also showcases the growing influence of the Basketball Africa League. With players hailing from Angola, Egypt, Uganda, Guinea, Rwanda, and more, the BAL team is poised to make their mark on the international stage. Their participation in Quai 54 adds a dynamic dimension to the competition and highlights the remarkable talent emerging from the African basketball scene.
As the games unfold, spectators will be treated to an array of thrilling matchups and intense battles. Witness the clash of 16 teams, each representing their respective countries with pride and determination. From seasoned professionals to rising stars, these players will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory. Brace yourself for heart-stopping moments, skillful displays of technique, and buzzer-beating shots that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Beyond the game itself, Quai 54 presents an unparalleled entertainment experience. The Dunk Contest is a highlight that should not be missed. The aerial acrobatics and jaw-dropping slams from Tyler Currie, Piotr Grabowski, Chris Staples, and New Williams will leave spectators in awe and inspire basketball fans worldwide. Their gravity-defying maneuvers and creativity showcase the true artistry of the sport.
To complement the basketball action, a lineup of talented DJs will take center stage, infusing the atmosphere with infectious rhythms and keeping the energy high throughout the event. From hip-hop to electronic beats, each DJ will bring their unique style, ensuring a dynamic soundscape that resonates with the vibrant spirit of the tournament. Soak in the music, groove to the rhythm, and celebrate the seamless fusion of sports and urban culture.
And let’s not forget Mokobé, the charismatic performer who will electrify the event with his energetic stage presence and captivating performances. With Mokobé at the helm, the entertainment reaches new heights, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. Alongside Mokobé, the expert commentary team of Duke Tshomba, Jamil Rouissi, and Lucas Nicot will provide insights, analysis, and anecdotes, further enriching the spectator experience.
Quai 54 2023 promises to be a spectacle of basketball prowess, cultural vibrancy, and unforgettable moments. From the talented players representing the Basketball Africa League to the electrifying dunks, pulsating beats, and captivating performances, the tournament encapsulates the essence of street basketball and urban culture. As the teams take to the court at Roland-Garros, the world will bear witness to the unifying power of sport and the unwavering passion that drives athletes to excel.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has approved a N20 million bail for music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZeeTee, who is facing allegations of forex transaction fraud amounting to $255,000, as brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a concise ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Aneke stipulated that the bail conditions include the requirement of one surety residing in Lagos, who must possess property valued at the bail sum. The judge had previously granted release to EeZeeTee into the custody of his attorney, Mr. Ojukwu Chikaosolu, and provided a 72-hour timeline to fulfill the bail requirements.
Initially, the EFCC lodged a 14-count indictment against EeZeeTee for purported fraudulent conversion, which was subsequently revised to seven counts, alleging that he conducted foreign exchange transactions without the necessary license.
Prosecuting attorney Bilikisu Buhari-Bala informed the court that in June 2023, EeZeeTee engaged in a foreign exchange transaction valued at $52,895 with one Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke, without the authorization of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This action, she contended, contravened Sections 5 and 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and is subject to penalties under Section 29(2) of the same legislation.
EeZeeTee has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 20, 2025, to commence the trial.
Catholic cardinals have elected Robert Prevost, the first Pope from the United States of America, who has taken the new name Pope Leo XIV after the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting on Thursday.
Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi said it took cardinals only four rounds of voting to pick a new pope and that white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney after a day’s voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church. ”
The Pontiff, picked even faster than his predecessor, Francis, appeared on the Vatican balcony amid enthusiastic cheers from thousands of faithful who packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday to witness the historic event.
“May peace be with all of you,” he said from the Vatican balcony after paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his life to the service of humanity. He stressed that he wants to deliver his blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last appearance in St Peter’s Square.
After concluding his speech, the new Pope started reading a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna. The pope continued with a message of peace and noted, “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.
“Without fear, united hand in hand with God, we are the Disciples of Christ, and the world needs his light.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I want to offer a greeting of peace to your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” he said.
Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is seen as a reformer who worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there.
The cardinals strongly perceived that the new pope would need to carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy of reaching out to those on the margins and bring along with him a wide spectrum of those within the Church, including those with whom Pope Francis was sometimes at loggerheads.
Observers considered Cardinal Robert Prevost a candidate who could fulfil that role—someone who could be a bridge between different worlds.
The fact that the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting suggests that the cardinals agreed with that assessment.
Robert Prevost will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter. Although he is the first American to fill the role of Pope, he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru before becoming an archbishop there.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Ecuadorian and French descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a priest in his home city.
He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru.
He is well known to cardinals because of his high-profile role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which has the critical task of selecting and supervising bishops. Francis made him a cardinal less than two years ago.
As Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who took part in the conclave, it is unsurprising that someone like Prevost was elected, even if he was only recently appointed.
He will be seen as a figure who favoured the continuity of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church. Prevost is believed to have shared Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment.
He will be fully aware of the divisions within the Catholic Church, and his Latin American background also represents continuity after a Pope who came from Argentina.
During his time as archbishop in Peru, he did not escape the sexual abuse scandals that have clouded the Church. However, his diocese fervently denied he had been involved in any attempted cover-up.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that during gatherings of the College of Cardinals in the days before the conclave they emphasised the need for a pope with “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair”.
Top 10 Things to Know About the New Pope, Robert Francis Prevost
1. First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States, born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Elected as the 267th Pope
He was chosen after a swift two-day conclave, becoming the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Age and New Namel
At 69 years old, he adopted the papal name Leo XIV upon his election.
4. Deep Missionary Experience in Latin America
Prevost spent over a decade in Peru as a bishop and seminary educator, gaining respect for his pastoral leadership and cultural fluency.
5. Leader of the Augustinian Order
He led the Augustinians globally for over ten years, managing an international religious community.
6. Key Vatican Roles
Before becoming pope, he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America—two influential positions in Church governance.
7. Academic and Legal Scholar
He holds degrees in mathematics, theology, and canon law, and has taught canon law in Latin America.
8. Calm, Reform-Oriented Leader
Known for his consensus-building style, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a clear-headed reformer continuing the legacy of Pope Francis.
9. Advocate for Women’s Inclusion
He supports meaningful female participation in Church governance, emphasising their real impact within Vatican bodies.
10. Mission-Driven Papacy
Pope Leo XIV remains committed to missionary work, global outreach, and addressing challenging issues like clerical abuse with humility and resolve.
Catholic cardinals have elected Robert Prevost, the first Pope from the United States of America, who has taken the new name Pope Leo XIV after the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting on Thursday.
Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi said it took cardinals only four rounds of voting to pick a new pope and that white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney after a day’s voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church. ”
The Pontiff, picked even faster than his predecessor, Francis, appeared on the Vatican balcony amid enthusiastic cheers from thousands of faithful who packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday to witness the historic event.
“May peace be with all of you,” he said from the Vatican balcony after paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his life to the service of humanity. He stressed that he wants to deliver his blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last appearance in St Peter’s Square.
After concluding his speech, the new Pope started reading a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna. The pope continued with a message of peace and noted, “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.
“Without fear, united hand in hand with God, we are the Disciples of Christ, and the world needs his light.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I want to offer a greeting of peace to your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” he said.
Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is seen as a reformer who worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there.
The cardinals strongly perceived that the new pope would need to carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy of reaching out to those on the margins and bring along with him a wide spectrum of those within the Church, including those with whom Pope Francis was sometimes at loggerheads.
Observers considered Cardinal Robert Prevost a candidate who could fulfil that role—someone who could be a bridge between different worlds.
The fact that the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting suggests that the cardinals agreed with that assessment.
Robert Prevost will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter. Although he is the first American to fill the role of Pope, he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru before becoming an archbishop there.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Ecuadorian and French descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a priest in his home city.
He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru.
He is well known to cardinals because of his high-profile role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which has the critical task of selecting and supervising bishops. Francis made him a cardinal less than two years ago.
As Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who took part in the conclave, it is unsurprising that someone like Prevost was elected, even if he was only recently appointed.
He will be seen as a figure who favoured the continuity of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church. Prevost is believed to have shared Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment.
He will be fully aware of the divisions within the Catholic Church, and his Latin American background also represents continuity after a Pope who came from Argentina.
During his time as archbishop in Peru, he did not escape the sexual abuse scandals that have clouded the Church. However, his diocese fervently denied he had been involved in any attempted cover-up.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that during gatherings of the College of Cardinals in the days before the conclave they emphasised the need for a pope with “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair”.
Top 10 Things to Know About the New Pope, Robert Francis Prevost
1. First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States, born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Elected as the 267th Pope
He was chosen after a swift two-day conclave, becoming the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Age and New Namel
At 69 years old, he adopted the papal name Leo XIV upon his election.
4. Deep Missionary Experience in Latin America
Prevost spent over a decade in Peru as a bishop and seminary educator, gaining respect for his pastoral leadership and cultural fluency.
5. Leader of the Augustinian Order
He led the Augustinians globally for over ten years, managing an international religious community.
6. Key Vatican Roles
Before becoming pope, he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America—two influential positions in Church governance.
7. Academic and Legal Scholar
He holds degrees in mathematics, theology, and canon law, and has taught canon law in Latin America.
8. Calm, Reform-Oriented Leader
Known for his consensus-building style, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a clear-headed reformer continuing the legacy of Pope Francis.
9. Advocate for Women’s Inclusion
He supports meaningful female participation in Church governance, emphasising their real impact within Vatican bodies.
10. Mission-Driven Papacy
Pope Leo XIV remains committed to missionary work, global outreach, and addressing challenging issues like clerical abuse with humility and resolve.