NAN-S-10
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos June 19, 2017(NAN) Some coaches at the ongoing Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship in Lagos have lauded the competition and urged the sponsors, Nestle Nigeria plc, to include an U-20 basketball competition.
The coaches told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the competition had done well to develop players for the states of the federation.
Donatus Ofulozor, the Head Coach of St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi, told NAN that the initiative by the company had affected basketball positively.
“It’s a great opportunity to develop youths and give them the chance to dream big and pursue a career in professional basketball.
“Over the 19 years of the competition, Nestle Milo has continued to demonstrate that they are solidly behind the development of the sport and the youth in general.
“At St. Augustine’s we believe in sports and that youths have talents that can play a big role in determining their destiny if properly harnessed and developed,’’ Ofulozor said.
The coach added that to curb the challenges of cheats, the company should look into organising an U-20/post-secondary school competition alongside the secondary school competition.
“We have to give it to Nestle Nigeria Plc, for its unyielding support for basketball at the grassroots but I wish it will come to a time when it can prove its weight in the sport by sponsoring an U-20 tournament.
“I am confident they can handle another competition; they have the capacity and also have the financial structure to back such an event.
“The essence is that youths still need one other competition at their post-secondary school level to showcase their capabilities,’’ he said.
St. Augustine’s Seminary, Ezzamgbo, was 2012 champions of the competition and was on other occasions runner-ups to the eventual winners.
Femi Abiodun, the Head Coach of Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State, also lauded the Nestle Milo Secondary School basketball initiative, describing it as the best competitive event for youths.
“Over the years, Nestle Nigeria has shown its commitment to the youth, we want more programs of this nature from other private individuals or groups.
“The youth all over can use the opportunity to demonstrate their passion for the sport and can in the future pursue a professional career.
“We also want Nestlé to look at organising a post-secondary school, championships where young players can still showcase their talents,’’ Abiodun said.
Meanwhile, St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa, have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition after seeing off, Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan, 31-15 and Government Secondary School, Numan.
St. Jude will play Wesley Girls Secondary School, Lagos, who recorded one victory out of their two matches played at the group stage.
Government Secondary School, Gboko, with two straight victories over Lagos 32-27 and FCT 20-0 due to a walkover, will take on Yejide Girls Secondary of Ibadan in semi-finals on Tuesday. (NAN)
BAO/DEB/PDE
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(Editing by Debo Osundun/Peter Ejiofor)