Maktown Basketball Academy and Amazons Basketball Academy have emerged as the winners in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the maiden edition of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament, held at the Dolphins Basketball Court, Onipketesi, Ikeja, Lagos.
In a thrilling men’s final, Maktown Basketball Academy edged out Warlords Academy with a 74-70 win, clinching the championship title. The pulsating encounter saw both sides display top-tier basketball, with Maktown’s Thomas Agbo leading the charge for the Benue-based team.
Despite a strong showing from the Warlords, Maktown maintained relentless pressure in the final quarter to seal the win.
On the women’s side, Amazons Basketball Academy triumphed over Victoria Queens in another intense showdown. The Amazons started the game with a strong first quarter, but the Victoria Queens clawed back in the second and third quarters to even the contest.
However, a decisive final quarter led by Hembam Vera saw the Amazons pull away to secure a 23-19 win and claim the gold medal.
Head Coach of the Amazons, Akinwonjowo Oladele Akinwande, expressed his gratitude and excitement following the team’s victory.
“This is a dream come true for the girls. We thank Almighty God for the win and our fans who supported us. The team has been training hard since the tournament was announced, and that preparation made all the difference—especially against our strong rivals, Victoria Queens,” Akinwande said.
Looking ahead, Akinwande revealed that the team will immediately begin preparations for their next challenge—the Dr. Olukoya Basketball Tournament, scheduled for July 14-15, 2025.
“We’re not resting on our laurels. We’ll continue working hard in all areas to ensure another great outing,” he added.
The coach also commended the organisers of the historic event, particularly Col. Samuel Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, for providing a vital platform for young basketball talent in Nigeria.
“Nigeria needs more people with genuine passion for the game. We encourage private companies and sponsors to get involved in supporting initiatives like this,” Akinwande concluded.
The tournament, which brought together elite youth academies across the Zone 3 region, marks a significant step forward in grassroots basketball development in West Africa.