A leading Nigerian basketball club, River Hoopers of Port-Harcourt, have emerged winners of the inaugural edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Day Basketball Championship which was held in Abuja.
In a thrilling final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the reigning champions of Nigeria Premier Basketball League defeated Gboko City Chiefs 72-59 to win the coveted trophy and N4m cash prize.
The champions dominated proceedings right from the first quarter and maintained their advantage throughout the encounter at Mo Sports Arena.
Abel Offia, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, delivered a stellar performance, scoring 20 points and showcasing his accuracy from both the three-point line and the free-throw line.
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Reflecting on their victory, Hoopers’ Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu, attributed their success to the unity and determination in the team.
“Despite facing challenges and rustiness since our return from the BAL, our unity, cohesion and resilience propelled us to victory,” said Odaudu.
On the other hand, City Chiefs’ Coach, Alex Ujoh, acknowledged their shortcomings in the game, highlighting turnovers and selfish play as contributing factors to their defeat.
“We were not getting our turn over right, and our players became selfish,” he stated.
However, he commended his players for putting up a good fight in the final.
In the battle for third place, Suleja Bull Dog emerged victorious over Gombe Bulls, as they secured the second runner-up position in a hard-fought 74-65 victory.
The intense competition and sportsmanship displayed by both teams captivated the audience and highlighted the talents that abound in the game.
During the closing ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff CDS, General Christopher Musa, expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition at the tournament.
He reiterated the importance of fostering military and civilian collaboration through sports and promoting a non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity.
As a testament to the commitment to youth development, General Musa announced a Youth Basketball Forum scheduled for December 2024, further showcasing the tournament’s impact beyond the court.
Organisers said the basketball championship celebrated sporting excellence and the power of unity in overcoming challenges on and off the court.
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