Team Lagos beat Team Oyo 43-33 to win the maiden edition of the 2024 Betking Wheelchair Basketball League League.
The Wheelchair Basketball Fantastic Four Final was played at the indoor sports hall of Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Lagos beat Oyo in the first quarter 15 to 13 points (two points difference). Upon resumption of the second quarter, Team Lagos continued their dominance by securing a five point difference 25 to 20 points.
Lagos made use of their opportunities in the third quarter making vital two points and three pointers, taking the quarter by 33 to 26 points. The fourth quarter ended 43 to 33 points with Lagos lifting the trophy.
Coach of Team Lagos, Michael Owoyele said the team played together as a unit adding that they were determined to win the league after the second phase in Asaba last April.
He said, “We were devoted to the game, we trained together before the competition. I told the team not to be selfish and communication was instrumental to our victory.
“If you will recall, we defeated Team Oyo in the Atlantic Conference; I must confess they have a fantastic set of players. We were determined to win the league and wanted to make Lagos proud,”he said
In the third place match, Team Kwara defeated Team Kano 39 to 7 points to finish in third place.
Lagos team finish first to win N500,000, Oyo team finish second to win N300,000 while Kwara team finish third to win N200,000 award prize
The President of Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson applauded the players for their resilience and sacrifice in promoting the game.
Johnson revealed that the next program of the Wheelchair Federation is the President’s Cup in Edo State during the Paralympic Games in Paris.
He said, “I want to commend the four teams who participated in the Fantastic Four Final in Abuja. They players have sacrificed a lot for the growth of the game and I want to assure you that the next league will be bigger and better.
“Missing the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is painful but the Federation is looking forward to hosting the President Cup during the Paralympics next August.
Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of BetKing Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to sponsor the National Wheelchair Basketball 2024 in Nigeria. At BetKing, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities.
“Supporting wheelchair basketball aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, providing athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talents and determination.
“We look forward to seeing these exceptional athletes in action and contributing to the growth of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria”, Ukanwoke said
