It was an electrifying final filled with tense moments as Oyo Braves Basketball Team of Ibadan defeated Lasgidi Kings 21-14 to emerge champions of the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Basketball Championship held at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure, on Sunday.
The competition, organised by the South-West Basketball Association and sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, featured 12 teams drawn from the six South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and host state, Ondo.
In the semi-final matches, Lasgidi Kings defeated Rising Stars of Oyo 20-16, while Oyo Braves outclassed Eko Islanders 21-12 to secure a place in the final.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by Alhaji Kunle Saliu said the minister, as a sports enthusiast, strongly believed in the future of Nigerian youths.
Tunji-Ojo noted that sports remained a veritable tool for steering young people away from social vices and placing them on the path of greatness.
He expressed satisfaction with the turnout, feedback and excitement generated by the championship, assuring participants of continued support and partnership with the South-West Basketball Association to organise more tournaments aimed at empowering youths through sports and entertainment.
Also speaking, the South-West representative of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and former captain of Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, described the championship as a successful event.
“I want to say that this tournament is a successful event, and seeing young talents from the South-West is a thing of joy.
“I am sure we can have more Olumide Oyedejis from here,” he said.
The former national captain commended the Ondo State Government for providing an enabling environment for a peaceful competition.
He also appreciated sports stakeholders, partners and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting the association.
While encouraging the players Oyedeji charged them not to lose hope in pursuing their basketball careers, noting that he had discovered several promising talents during the tournament.
On their part, coaches Taiwo Ajibola Eleniyan and Momoh Zakari from Oyo and Osun States respectively described the tournament as a major platform for youth development.
They called on the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the South-West Basketball Association to sustain the competition in order to nurture more young talents in basketball.
Some players also shared their experiences after competing against teams from across the region.
Akinbola Olawale of Rising Stars, Chibike of Ondo Raiders and Jimoh Sodiq from Ekiti State expressed excitement over the exposure, quality of officiating and overall organisation of the tournament, while calling for more basketball competitions in the South-West.
Individual awards, including the Most Valuable Player prize, medals and trophies, were presented to the top three teams, while other participants and fans received consolation gifts in what turned out to be a historic and entertaining event.
