Delta and Oyo States emerged as champions in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively, at the highly anticipated 2023 BetKing 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball National Championship.
The exhilarating tournament took place at the outdoor sports hall of the Alake Sports Center in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Oyo State defeated Lagos State 10-1 to lift the trophy in the men’s category, while Delta State defeated Oyo State 3-2 to win the women’s category.
Osun State came down from three points to beat Abuja 7-5 to seal third position in the men’s category, while Imo State pummeled Kwara State 5-1 to settle for third position in the women’s category.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Seyi Johnson, said the championship was an opportunity for the players to get the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the African Para Games in Ghana next September.
He said the current board is working round the clock to ensure Nigeria returns to its rightful position in Africa.
Mr Johnson said, “The current board plans to leave a legacy in Wheelchair Basketball; the journey has been tedious, but we are optimistic about making a mark. We are ready to organise various championships across the country. Wheelchair Basketball will make Nigeria proud and will be a thing of joy and pride to sports in this country.
“Impossibility is not in my dictionary, and I got the philosophy from my boss, Hon. Bukola Olopade. He told me when people say there is no way, I should create a path, and I think I am creating a way in Wheelchair Basketball.”
He continued, “Ahead of the African Para Games in Ghana, the national coaches are on the ground to monitor the players and sports talents. After two weeks of rest, the players will resume camp because we dream of attending the Para Games and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. We have identified and want to work on our weak links before the African Para Games.
The winners in both categories were rewarded handsomely, with the championship teams receiving a prestigious trophy and a prize of N500,000. The first runners-up were awarded N300,000, while the second runners-up took home N200,000.
