Ondo Raiders, Oyo Braves, Lasgidi Kings Advance to South-West 3×3 Quarter-Finals

By Kanu Samuel

Ondo State basketball team, Ondo Raiders, have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing South-West 3×3 Basketball Championship taking place at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure.

The Akure-based side delivered an impressive performance, recording more than four victories in their preliminary matches on Saturday.

However, Ondo Kings, the second Ondo State team in the competition, produced an average display but remain hopeful ahead of the remaining games scheduled for today.

Other teams that have also booked places in the next round of the highly competitive championship include Lagos-based sides Lasgidi Kings and Eko Islanders, as well as Oyo Braves, who thrilled fans with outstanding performances at Democracy Park.

The preliminary matches, which could not be concluded on Saturday due to the intense and highly competitive nature of the games, are expected to continue this morning, Sunday, 17 May 2026, before the knockout stages commence.

Speaking shortly after one of the matches, the Head Coach of the Ondo State basketball team, Mr Sola Aluko, expressed satisfaction with the performances of his players, noting that the tournament serves as a platform for talent discovery and the development of basketball in Nigeria and across Africa.

Coach Aluko described the competition as fierce and highly technical, adding that he remains optimistic his team will improve in the next stage of the tournament.

He also acknowledged the quality of the opposing teams and the tactical input of other coaches at the championship, describing Nigeria as a hub of talented sportsmen and women.

The remaining preliminary matches will be concluded this morning at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final matches are scheduled to commence by 12 noon.

According to the organisers, several prizes await the winning teams, while individual awards will also be presented to outstanding players, coaches, and exceptional sportsmen and women.

Spectators are also expected to receive gifts during the event, which promises to be filled with entertainment and displays of basketball skill.

Among the top basketball coaches and players who attended the games yesterday was former D’Tigers captain, Olamide Oyedeji.