The Oyo State men’s team and the Delta State women’s team have emerged champions of the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball National Championship, held at the outdoor Sports Hall of the Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta.
Oyo State beat Lagos State 10-1 to win the men’s category of the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball National Championship, while Delta State claimed a 3-2 victory against Oyo State to win the women’s category.
Osun State came down from three points to beat Abuja 7-5 to seal third position in the men’s category, while Imo State thrashed Kwara State 5-1 to settle for third position in the women’s category.
The President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Seyi Johnson, said the championship was a chance for the players to get the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the African Para Games in Ghana in September 2024. He said the current board is working round the clock to ensure Nigeria returns to its rightful position in Africa.
“The current board plans to leave a legacy in Wheelchair Basketball. The journey has been tedious but we are optimistic about making a mark,” Johnson said. “We are ready to organise various championships across the country.”
“Wheelchair Basketball will make Nigeria proud and will be a thing of joy and pride to sports in this country. Ahead of the African Para Games in Ghana, the national coaches are on the ground to monitor the players and sports talents.”
“After two weeks of rest, the players will resume camp because we dream of attending the Para Games and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. We have identified and want to work on our weak links before the African Para Games,” he added.
