Kwara Vets pip ANBB Philippines to win veterans basketball tourney

Basketball Championship

Kwara Vets defeated ANBB Philippines to win the 2023 Independence Day Veteran Basketball Competition held at the Dolphin Sports Hall, Punch Estate, Lagos.

In a highly competitive encounter, the Kwara team narrowly edged out ANBB Philippines 46-43 to lift the trophy.

To qualify for the finals, Kwara Vets defeated VOA Abuja 43-36, while ANBB Philippines got the better of OBV Oyo, 39-38.

Hoops Dream team from Ibadan was also on ground to take on Dolphins in an exhibition match, which ended 22 to 17 in favour of the hosts.

According to one of the organisers and CEO of Hoops Dream, Damola Awosika, the Independence Day Basketball Tournament is a competition for veteran basketball players, which started about eight years ago, involving teams from Nigeria and Ghana.

“It is an opportunity for us, as older players, to network and keep fit. The Ghanaian team has not missed a single edition since we started the competition, which shows the love and commitment they have for the game. To add to the glamour of this year event, a Filipino side also participated,” he said.

Also speaking on the event, Adetola Ajaguna, whose company, Ile Wura Nigeria Limited, contributed to the success of the competition, sponsoring basketball is part of her company’s social responsibility.

She noted: “We sponsor the Hoops Dream and this is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. At Ile Wura, developing youths is our core value. What Hoops Dream stands for is to develop talents in basketball from the ages of five to 18. That is why in all our estates in Ile Wura, we have a basketball court.”

The event, which had six teams in attendance, ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding players and individuals that have contributed to