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ENUGU – Great Vibes Basketball Foundation (GVBF) from Abuja emerged victorious at the inaugural “Basketball is Giving” tournament, which concluded last Friday in Enugu, the Coal City.
GVBF claimed the coveted trophy and the 1 million naira prize after defeating Anambra Warriors 105-75 in a thrilling final at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium’s indoor sports hall.
The four-day championship attracted basketball enthusiasts, fans, and passersby, eager to witness the spectacle and excitement. Sixteen teams from the South East, South South, North Central, and Abuja competed for the ultimate prize, showcasing impressive talent that wowed both organizers and sponsors.
Mayor Chinedu Nnam, Chairman of the Enugu Basketball Association, praised the talent on display, emphasizing the need for an enabling environment for players to showcase their God-given abilities.
He highlighted the championship’s aim to foster competition and provide exceptional players opportunities to join bigger clubs, underscoring the vital role of sports in societal development. Nnam called for enhanced infrastructure, equipment, and support to provide young athletes a platform to express themselves.
FIBA referee Nuhu Samuel echoed these sentiments, reaffirming Nigeria’s status as a basketball powerhouse. He emphasized that more such competitions would continue to produce great players for the future and urged younger referees to gain experience through these tournaments.
In addition to the grand prize, Anambra Warriors and IMG Academy of Enugu were awarded 500,000 and 300,000 naira for second and third place, respectively. Individual accolades included Obinna Azi (GVBF), who won the shooting contest and received 50,000 naira, and Okeke John Paul (IMG Academy), who claimed the best dunk award, winning a pair of authentic LeBron James shoes and 50,000 naira. Coach Victor Ozokwechi (Pelicans, Enugu) also received 50,000 naira for winning the coaches’ shooting contest.
