Wellspring College, Heat King and eight others teams are set to compete at the second edition of the president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Musa Kida championship, scheduled to dunk November, 9 to 10.
The other teams includes; SDM Academy, Doregos Private Academy, Doozy stars,Mayor suns, Warlords, JF Warriors and Estate Kings
According to the sponsor, Eng Musa Kida, the competition would offer massive opportunities for the technical crew of the junior national teams to identify talents, emphasisng the essence of the support for grassroot sport.
“You will agree with me that the competition is a productive one because we need to replace our aging players and no other way to start, if not from the grassroots. The federation (NBBF) can’t do everything,it requires all of us to improve the sport of basketball. We are ready to partner any group or individuals all in a bid to take basketball forward .The participating teams should take advantage of the competition and compete fairly,” he said.
He sought for collaboration with sports’ stakeholders, saying concerted effort would take sports to greater heights.
He urged participating teams to play by the rules guiding the competition, commending the organisers , Wonderland Events for choosing to organize an age grade event .
The organiser, Tayo Adeyemo of Wonderland Events said the competition will feature 10 teams, stressing a proper screening to verify ages of the players.
“We are going to make it strictly under 17 and all players are expected to bring their birth certificate and NIN Certificate for the screening. Coaches should understand that it is not a do or die competition but to expose the players . It is a pure developmental programme and we must be firm as organisers. Once a player is screen out ,there is no room for replacement,” he said.
This year’s edition will see the top three teams going home with cash prizes and medals with trophies for champions in both male and female. The competition will hold at the Giant of Africa Court Abesan Mini Stadium, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.