By Kanu Samuel
Oyo Braves Basketball Team of Ibadan emerged champions of the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Basketball Championship after defeating Lasgidi Kings 21-14 in an electrifying final held at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure, on Sunday.
The championship, 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.
The keenly contested final brought the tournament to a dramatic close, with Oyo Braves displaying composure and attacking flair to overpower their Lagos-based opponents and claim the regional title.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Lasgidi Kings defeated Rising Stars of Oyo 20-16, while Oyo Braves secured their place in the final with a commanding 21-12 victory over Eko Islanders.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Alhaji Kunle Saliu, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development through sports.
Tunji-Ojo described sports as a vital tool for steering young people away from social vices and helping them realise their potential.
He expressed satisfaction with the turnout and enthusiasm generated by the tournament, assuring participants of continued collaboration with the South-West Basketball Association to organise more youth-focused sporting competitions.
The South-West representative of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and former captain of Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, described the championship as a huge success.
“I want to say that this tournament is a successful event, and seeing young talents from the South-West is a thing of joy,” Oyedeji said.
“I am sure we can have more Olumide Oyedejis from here.”
He commended the Ondo State Government for providing a conducive atmosphere for the competition and also appreciated sports stakeholders, partners and Tunji-Ojo for supporting the development of basketball in the region.
Oyedeji encouraged participating players not to relent in pursuing their basketball careers, noting that several promising talents were discovered during the championship.
Coaches Taiwo Ajibola Eleniyan of Oyo State and Momoh Zakari of Osun State described the tournament as an important platform for youth development and talent discovery.
They called on the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the South-West Basketball Association to sustain the competition in order to nurture emerging basketball talents across the region.
Players who participated in the tournament also praised the standard of organisation and officiating.
Akinbola Olawale of Rising Stars, Chibike of Ondo Raiders and Jimoh Sodiq from Ekiti State expressed delight over the exposure gained from competing against teams from across the South-West and appealed for more basketball tournaments in the region.
At the end of the competition, trophies, medals and individual honours, including the Most Valuable Player award, were presented to outstanding teams and players, while fans and other participants received consolation gifts in what organisers described as a historic and entertaining championship.
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