The first edition of the West Africa Basketball Classics (WABC) Final Four have dunked off in Lagos with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo in contention for the grand prize.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final four holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.
The first and second phases of the WABC was held in Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic, with elimination of two teams while the final four holds from June 5 to 7.
The last four teams for the final round are: Gidi Giants, Nigeria; ASPAC, Benin Republic; Kwara Falcons, Nigeria; and Swallows of Togo.
In the first semi-final game ASPAC of Benin Republic defeated Kwara Falcons by 65-63, while Gidi Giants defeated ASPAL 61-43 in the second match of the day.
The President of the WABC, Olumide Oyedeji, in an interview with NAN said that the success recorded at the tournament has been a landmark.
“WABC is a great tournament, we started with six then to five and now, we are at the final four.
“It”s great seeing the young players display their talents and do what they love to do best.
“I am excited with the level and standard of performances so far, it’s a masterpiece.
“The short run of this target of this tournament is to have the competition spread to other West African countries, while the long target is to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL),”he said.
Oyedeji also congratulate the Rivers Hoopers for their success winning the bronze at the just-concluded BAL in Kigali.
Ahmed Olusoji, Point guard for the victorious Gidi Giant however told NAN that he and his teammates were poised to win the maiden edition.
“I feel happy winning our first game, but we have to prepare well for the next match which is the final game.
“Before the final game, we will work on our defense and coordination because our target is to win the competition,” he said.
NAN reports that the final of the WABC will be played on June 7 at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. (NAN)
