The 2017 edition of the Kwese basketball Premier League Final 8 commenced today at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano with three games on Day 1. Declaring the Final 8 open, Vice President of the Tijjani Umar led Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Olumide Oyedeji, said both the federation and Kano State government have perfected plans for a successful weeklong championship.
The former national team captain said the Final 8 this year will be more than just hostilities as the NBBF has lined up other programmes to make it first of its kind. “All teams are on ground and Royal Hoopers who boycotted have been replaced with Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan. Beyond the hostilities inside the court we have lined up other activities like holding basketball clinics for young boys and girls as well as visiting young peoples homes, homes for the aged and orphanages in our Community Outreach Programme. It is going to be a loaded week with lots of fun.”
According to Oyedeji, this is the first time the NBBF will be having a Community Outreach in the Final 8. “We have been having the Community Outreach during All Stars but this is the first time we shall be having it in Final 8. The basketball clinics for young boys and girls will be handled by veteran coaches like Scott Nnaji, Adeka Daudu and Emmanuel Odah.”
The former international also said what is in for the two finalists that will represent Nigeria on the continent will be unveiled on Wednesday. “What is at stake after the championship is that the two top teams will qualify to represent Nigeria at the continental club championship. The cash reward involved will be released on Wednesday and I must state here that what is coming will be four times bigger than what has been ever given to clubs. Technical officials and referees are not left out.”
He described as unfortunate and wicked purported moves made by some persons to threaten clubs to boycott the Final 8. “Only Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt withdrew from the Final 8. But I say it was most unfortunate because it was done on selfish, personal and wicked political reasons rather that than in the general interests of the players, game and basketball development. The clubs and officials made it clear in a communique that they are only interested in playing basketball not politics but for some persons to resort to playing politics with the lives and livelihood of players for selfish interests is unfortunate which means they don’t have the interest of players at heart. I cannot understand how a player will travel over 10,000 miles over 34 games will be denied an opportunity to reap from his labour. To me it is wickedness. It was not done in players interest and this is bringing the game to disrepute.”
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