A Life Well Lived: Celebrating Coach OBJ in “The Man 80 – 80 @ Eighty”
New Book Chronicles the Extraordinary Journey of Basketball Legend, Oliver B. Johnson
Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria – A definitive literary work has arrived, offering a captivating and easy-to-assimilate description of the life journey of one of Africa’s most revered sports figures. “The Man 80 – 80 @ Eighty” is more than just a biography; it is a profound tribute to Oliver (Babatunde, Bala, Bassey) Berdeen Johnson, universally known as Coach OBJ.
The book meticulously details the uniqueness of Coach OBJ, celebrating him as a rare legend, a God-fearing individual, an extremely humble spirit, a cherished treasure, and a true hero in Basketball.
The Call Beyond Comfort
At the heart of Coach OBJ’s story is a spirit of immeasurable curiosity and a deep desire to make a positive impact. The book vividly recounts the pivotal decision that shaped his life and the course of African basketball: his choice to leave his comfort zone in the United States of America (USA) and move abroad.
Against all odds, and propelled by an inner drive to “see the world beyond the USA,” Coach OBJ embarked on a mission that would ultimately plant the seeds of professional basketball across the African continent. This decision, as explored in the book, exemplifies his selflessness and commitment to a larger purpose that transcended personal ambition.
A Legacy of Excellence and Humility
“The Man 80 – 80 @ Eighty” paints a comprehensive portrait of the man who mentored global icons like Hakeem Olajuwon and NBA executive Masai Ujiri, and founded transformative programs like Basketball for Peace (BB4P). The book explores:
His Diverse Identity: Highlighting the names that reflect his journey—Oliver, Babatunde, Bala, and Bassey—signifying his deep integration into the Nigerian culture he embraced.
His Spiritual Foundation: Emphasizing his identity as a God-fearing individual whose faith informed his actions and his approach to coaching and youth development.
His Immeasurable Impact: Documenting his decades of work that laid the foundation for modern African basketball, often without seeking the limelight.
The book serves as a timely reminder of the profound difference one individual can make when driven by humility, curiosity, and a dedication to serving others. It is an indispensable read for basketball enthusiasts, peace advocates, and anyone seeking inspiration from a life journey dedicated to empowering youth through sport.
