…defeat Ilupeju Raiders 66–52

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

NCBC has emerged champions of the maiden Youth Basketball Tournament organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State government, carting home the star prize of N3 million.

The champions sealed the title with a convincing 66–52 victory over Ilupeju Raiders in an exciting final played at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

Both teams were evenly matched in the opening quarter, which ended 16–16, but NCBC asserted their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 27–16 to take an 11-point lead into the halftime break at 43–32.

NCBC sustained the momentum in the third quarter, winning it 13–10 to stretch the scoreline to 56–42, before both sides shared the final quarter 10–10, as NCBC comfortably closed out the game at 66–52.

For their efforts, runners-up Ilupeju Raiders received a N1.5 million cash prize, while third-placed Game Elevate went home with N1 million at the end of the three-day tournament, which featured 12 teams from across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose foundation initiated the competition, said the tournament was designed to provide a platform for youths to express themselves, promote teamwork and unlock opportunities through sports, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Tijani commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his administration’s commitment to sports development, while also applauding the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the coaches, players and corporate partners for the success of the tournament.

The minister, who disclosed his interest in investing in a basketball team, also expressed the foundation’s readiness to return to Ogun State with the competition in December next year.

Governor Abiodun, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, particularly through sports. He lauded the Bosun Tijani Foundation for using basketball as a tool to harness youth talents and promote unity and sportsmanship.

“This gathering speaks directly to our administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, talent development and the use of sports as a tool for social cohesion and opportunity creation in Ogun State,” the governor said.

He described Dr. Tijani as a visionary leader whose initiatives have strengthened Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and expanded digital inclusion, noting that the tournament represents “a platform of hope, aspiration and purpose” for young Nigerians.

Dignitaries at the final included the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the basketball icon, Chief Alabi Adelanwa, alongside top sports administrators and other eminent personalities.