...Amazons Humbles Victoria Queens In Female Category Final
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
Maktown Basketball Academy on Monday emerged champions of the maiden edition of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament.
The tenacious Warlords from Ilupeju failed to perfect their swordsmanship against Maktown at the Webber Engineering themed Dolphins Basketball Court, Onipketesi, Ikeja, Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria.
It was a gripping and unpredictable final as both sides keep slamming and dunking for supremacy with Thomas Agbo of Maktown leading the charge for the boys from Benue State.
Despite their outstanding performance, Warlords academy, failed to hold steam, as Maktown academy piled pressure, to win the groundbreaking event, 74-70.
In the women’s event, Amazons basketball academy humbled Victoria Queens, to take home the gold medal in the female final.
Benue State’s Hembam Vera, was just too hot to handle for Victoria Queens academy in the thrilling final.
Amazons started strongly in the first quarter, but fell in the second and third quarter, giving space for Victoria Queens to level the scores.
The final quarter proved to be the fatal blow for the Victoria Queens, as Amazons basketball academy turned the heat on with Hembam Vera heading the rout, 23-19 it all ended.
In an exclusive interview with Head Coach of Amazons basketball academy, Akinwonjowo Oladele Akinwande, thanked God Almighty for the win, stating that it’s a dream come true for the girls.
He showered praises on the team, emphasizing that, the diehard spirit of the team earned them the win.
“Thanks to Almighty God for giving us the victory and out fans out there, the girls have been in practice together as we hear the date of the tournament and we were highly prepared to face all odds especially our rivals Victoria Queens,” he said.
He explained that the team will immediately begin preparation ahead of the next tournament for the team, the Dr. Olukoya Basketball Tournament.
“We have to go back all work harder on all areas so as to get ready for the next chapter. We will continue practicing looking forward to also have a great outing at the upcoming Dr Olukoya tournament on 14 – 15 July 2025, he explained.
He also had some nice words for the Organisers of the historic event, stating that Nigeria is lacking people with deep love for the sport.
“I will say a very big thanks to the President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col. Samuel Ahmedu for the wonderful platform to promote the young vibrant players all around the country, because we hardly play more games in a year calendar with this as been added and we urge many private sector and company to come out and also be involved in this great movement,” he concluded.
Hembem Vera was named as the Tournament Most Valuable Player in the females event, while sensational Thomas Agbo, claimed the boys Most Valuable Player award.
Vera was left speechless by the victory against Victoria Queens and her recognition as the MVP at the inaugural event, directing all praise to God Almighty, stating that it’s a privilege to participate at the event.
“Firstly, I give all glory to God Almighty for helping me all the way, secondly, I would like to say thank you to my coach and my teammates for helping me to achieve this award for always being there for me, during the highs and lows, giving me the zeal to keep pushing, it’s an honour to be on the team.
“I really loved playing at the tournament, I wish that other tournaments like this were held regularly, it was a privilege to be at this event and I’d love to be at other events like this,” she stated.
She also heaped praises on the President FIBA Africa Zone 3, Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, the man behind the tournament, for his unwavering support to basketball in Nigeria.
“I’d like to say a very big thank you to, Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, our Father, we love him so much, we pray that God Almighty continues to bless him and give him the strength to continue to hold and sponsor many more events like this for young kids like us.”
In a display of precision and skill, Alex Otu from Impression Basketball Academy and Moda Ajani from Victoria Queens emerged as the top contenders in the three-point shootout.
Ola Promise from Raptors Academy electrified the crowd with some impressive rim action to claim victory in the slam dunk contest.
Renowned Nigerian comedian, Gordons, was on ground to thrill fans and lovers of the beautiful game and to show his love for the game.
BEST 5 PLAYERS, GIRLS:
Anani R. (Amazon – 5),
Anari C. (Impression – 4),
Angel O. (Impression – 5),
Divine (TABA – 47),
Ali K. (Amazon – 81).
BEST 5 PLAYERS, BOYS:
Salawu D. (Warlords – 7),
Agbo T. (Maktown – 13),
Edwin S. (Raptors – 7),
Okaja J. (Maktown – 10),
Ogbonna J. (Warlords – 11).
Photo credit: Sohali Visual
