Nile University Abuja on Saturday won the 2019 Total National Division Two Basketball League concluded at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
In a pulsating final that witnessed a scanty crowd on the stands, Nile University topped Coal City Basketball Club 89 to 60 to win the league.
From the jump ball, the lads representing Nile University left no one in doubt that they were out for business. They won all the quarters and were worthy champions as, apart from winning the overall trophy, they also dominated the individual prizes, including the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Emmanuel James.
Deputy Managing Director, Total Nigeria, Musa. Kida, who doubles as President, Nigeria Basketball Federation expressed satisfaction with the organization and standard of the competition.
Kida said that Total’s involvement in sports went beyond basketball. “Total is a major sponsor of CAF and I feel proud that the organization, which is a global leader in oil and gas, could identify with Nigerian Basketball at the grassroots level. This is the second year running and still counting.”
He said the NBBF on its part would not relent in churning out programmes that would continue to attract the corporate community.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria won the third place after defeating Delta State team.
Coach of the victorious Nile University team, Ali Sugh said, “winning the league and promotion has opened our eyes and given us a glimpse of what we can achieve as a team. We played in the Nigerian Private University Games and we used this competition as a prelude to NUGA.
“We are really enthralled by this victory tonight as it has proved that with a little push, we can achieve a lot as a team.”
Emmanuel James, who won the MVP, said he could not believe his luck. “I thought I did not play to my full potential. I am surprised that I won the MVP. Thanks to Total.”
Speaking on the competition, NBBF Vice President, Babs Ogunade said the federation would not relent in its determination to ensure that basketball continues to grow at the grassroots level. He thanked Total for their commitment to the cause of Nigerian basketball.
