Basketball
Glory Girls Of Otukpo Win Inaugural BBA U-18 Female Tournament
The 2022 Benue State Basketball Association U-18 Female Tournament ended yesterday at the Aper Stadium Makurdi. In the last game of the Tournament, Gboko Volunteers defeated Glory Girls of Otukpo 38-37.
However since the Tournament was played on a double round Robin format, Glory Girls emerge overall Champions having beaten the Volunteers by 4 points, 32 – 28 in their first meeting.
The Final game was full of thrills and suspense all through. Having won in the first encounter, Glory Girls had their pride to protect while Gboko Volunteers looked for an opportunity to seek revenge. It was a jostling game for both teams with Glory Girls enjoying the dominant lead.
The dogged Gboko girls fought hard and tied the game at the 4th Quarter with 1:37 minutes to go. Glory Girls again picked a two point lead with 27 seconds left, but Sewuese, star player of the Volunteers intercepted a pass to tie the game. Glory girls had an opportunity to take a two point lead again from the freethrow line but Janet who was on the line missed one shot.
It was Sewuese who showed she was a clutch player once more. With 7 seconds left in the game she drew contact on a lay-up which sent her to the free throw line where she made both shots that won the game for the Gboko Volunteers. Game ended Gboko Volunteers 38, Glory Girls, 37.
There was high drama at the end when the Glory Girls all broke down crying because they thought by their loss they had lost the Tournament Trophy. Their consolation and redemption only came when they were announced as Winners based on the Head to Head Classification having tied on points with their fierce rivals.
The Vice Chairman of the BBA, Mr Kelvin Kpum, conveyed the Association’s appreciation to all the participants and officials’ with a promise that the State will continue with such developmental programmes. The Director, Benue Sports Council, Mr. Philip Nongu, accompanied by many dignitaries and Stakeholders in the State, commended the State Association for their effort in revitalizing the Sports in the State.
A trophy was presented to the Champions, Glory Girls and cash prize for the MVP, Sewuese of Gboko Volunteers.
Final Table of the Tournament:
*1st – Glory Girls -P6, W5, L1, Pts 11( 1st on Head to Head Rule)
* 2nd -Volunteers – P6, W5, L1,Pts 11( 2nd on Head to Head Rule).
*3rd- Sparks. – P6, W2, L4, Pts 8.
* 4th – Titans – – P6, W0, L6, Pts 6.
Basketball
Bauchi FA Chairman Patrick Pascal Honoured at Be Happy Basketball Tournament
Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Patrick Pascal, was honored at the recently concluded Be Happy Basketball Tournament in Bauchi. The annual event, sponsored by former basketball international Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, brought together over 13 basketball teams from across Nigeria for a week of exciting competition.
The 2025 edition of the tournament saw Suns Basketball Academy of Jos emerge as champions, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Adamawa Stars of Yola finished second, while Mak-Town Flyers of Makurdi claimed third place, earning ₦200,000 for their efforts.
Several standout players received individual accolades:
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy, Jos).
• Most Improved Player: Modupe Lawrence (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
• Best Defensive Player: Thomas Abo (Mak-Town Flyers, Makurdi).
• Highest Scorer: Rayyan Salis (Suns Basketball Academy).
• Best 3-Point Shooter: Solomon Iliya (Be Happy Stars, Bauchi).
Teams from across Nigeria took part, including Maktown Flyers (Makurdi), Joe Geez (Jos), Adamawa Stars (Yola), Gamji (Maiduguri), Elite Basketball Club (Takum), Suns Basketball Academy (Jos), Abba Gida Gida (Kano), Katsina United (Katsina), D Block Basketball Club (Kaduna), Yankari Kings (Bauchi), The Cubs Basketball Club (Bauchi), and Be Happy Stars (Bauchi).
Speaking on his recognition, Patrick Pascal expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsor, Danjuma Maijama’a Wunti, for his commitment to youth empowerment and development through sports. He praised the players for their remarkable display of skill and teamwork throughout the competition, highlighting the event’s importance in fostering talent and unity.
The Be Happy Basketball Tournament continues to grow in stature as a major platform for discovering and nurturing basketball talent across Nigeria.
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