January, 26 2023.
Government Secondary School Karu yesterday defeated Government Secondary School Garki 18-13; to emerge Boys Champions, of the 2022 Power Forward, Basketball Championships, for post primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
Similarly, Government Secondary School Karu trounced Roberto Schools 33-09, with Alaje Sunday leading the scoring with 19 points, as they were crowned back-to-back Girls Champions, at the 8th edition of the event.
Both finals at Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja, preceded the playoff for 3rd and 4th places; which saw Government Secondary School Wuse Zone 3, defeat Total Child Model School, Dutse Alhaji 13-8, at the same venue.
Like the Girls Bronze medal match, the Boys losers’ final, played on Wednesday, was won by Government Secondary School Wuse Zone 3, who out dunked GSS Kubwa 23-17, in a frenetic but thrilling encounter.
Captains of the Victorious Boys team, Shittu Rasaki Emmanuel praised their opponent in the final, as a good side that gave them a stiff fight in the first two quarters. He also urged the organisers to do more in training coaches that will help introduce the game to do many youths who are passionate about playing basketball.
Amos Mary, Captain of the victorious Girls team, of GSS Karu, also spoke to Radio Nigeria Sports, moments after helping her respective team to secure the win.
The Vice-President Africa, and Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu lauded all the partners and stakeholders for the success of the programme which she said has in nine years, impacted no fewer than 200,000 youths in ten communities of the FCT.
Miss Gbemisola also said she envisages a more bumper tenth year Anniversary, where all the Alumnus, sponsors and partners, shall be fully chronicled, and honoured.
American basketball legend, and 1992 NBA Slam Dunk Champion, Cedric Ceballos said Basketball was just the vehicle and means of helping the youth through their education, so that they can be better equipped with live skills, that would equip them to make better decisions throughout their lives.
The Nigeria, Country Director for Pan Africare, Dr. Patrick Adah said he was excited to be at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja to witness the displays in the finalé of the ninth season, and recounted some of his achievements, and legacies, including the building and renovation of courts, for some of the participating schools.
Representative of the Sponsors, Exxon Mobil; Mrs. Adedoyin Adelabu; a Director in the FCT Secondary Education Board, Mallam Hashimu Adamu; Dr. Mathew Ashikeni of the FCT Health Secretariat, Children from selected schools, and performing musician, Crayon were among the dignitaries that graced the programme.
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