Sports
Team Taraba Torments, as BetKing Wheelchair Basketball National Championship Closes in Grand Style
Joel Ajayi
The 2025 BetKing 3×3 National Wheelchair Basketball Championship came to a thrilling close in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with Team Taraba and Team Lagos emerging champions in their respective categories after an electrifying series of final matches.
The atmosphere at the indoor sports hall was charged with excitement as fans witnessed a tense and intrigue-filled finale, marking the end of what has been described as one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.
In the men’s category, Team Taraba claimed the top prize after a powerful performance, while Team Oyo settled for second place. Team Delta secured third position with a strong finish.
In the women’s category, Team Taraba dominated, clinching the gold medal. Team Delta took the silver, and Team Lagos rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.
In the mixed category, Team Lagos showcased impressive teamwork and skill to emerge champions. Team Taraba came in second, and Team Oyo earned third place.
President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, expressed delight at the quality of play and the emerging talent discovered at the tournament.
“This has been an incredible championship—one of the best we’ve seen in recent years,” Johnson said. “We’ve uncovered new stars who are ready to wear the national colors, and that’s the true essence of this tournament: giving athletes a platform to shine, regardless of background or physical ability. Watching the level of competition rise across different states shows that our development efforts are yielding results.”
He added, “I’m immensely grateful to the Ogun State Government for their unwavering support, to the leadership of the National Sports Commission for championing inclusive sports, and of course to BetKing, whose consistent backing has helped keep the dream alive for so many of our athletes. This is more than basketball—it’s a movement of hope, resilience, and excellence.”
The tournament featured teams from all zones across the country and highlighted the growing strength and popularity of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria.
Sports
35 Days to Go: Nigeria Set to Host African Junior Athletics Championship in Abeokuta
Joel Ajayi
With just 35 days to go, Nigeria is revving up preparations to host the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Returning to Nigerian soil, the prestigious biennial event will welcome the continent’s most promising Under-18 and Under-20 athletes to the newly refurbished MKO Abiola International Stadium, which recently played host to the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Over 500 athletes from more than 50 African nations are expected to compete in this year’s championship, making it one of the largest gatherings of young athletic talent on the continent.
South Africa, the reigning overall champions, will be looking to defend their title, but Nigeria’s young stars are also eager to make a strong statement on home soil.
“This is not just a competition; it is a celebration of Africa’s future in track and field,” Hon. Bukola Olopade, DG of the National Sports Commission said.
“Nigeria is honored to host once again and to demonstrate its world-class capacity in organizing major sporting events,” he added.
The choice of Abeokuta—also known as the Gateway City—underscores the state’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development, alongside other Nigerian cities. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the city is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials, and fans alike.
The CAA African Junior Championships is widely regarded as the breeding ground for the continent’s future Olympic and world champions.
As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on Nigeria to once again rise to the occasion and reinforce its status as Africa’s true sporting giant.
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