Abuja 3×3 Slam opening more doors for Nigeria basketball – Webber

The mission to take the game of basketball to every major street in Nigeria is deep in the heart of Opeyemi Babalola-Webber. If he ever had any doubts as to how far this laudable goal could go, the outcome of the Abuja Slam Quest 3×3 Tournament held over the Yultide has wiped out all doubts.
Webber says of the tournament, “I am impressed with the level of the skills of the players here and they have all come out with the full force to play and I believe that the best team emerged the winner in both the female and male categories.”
The Webber Hoops 3×3 basketball tournament in Abuja wrapped up with the New Year celebration when Hillside Elite and TVCC teams respectively emerged as the men’s and ladies’ winners of the event.
Hillside Elite, which had earlier beaten Warriors 7-3 in the semi-finals, defeated NBT Academy 14-4 in the final match played at Jabi Shopping Mall on New Year’s Eve to win the cash prize of N250,000.
Also, TVCC, which eliminated Connect 7-5 in the semi-final bagged the cash prize of N250,000 after it narrowly edged Titans Academy 6-5 in the final.
This inaugural Abuja tournament held over four days featured 80 teams; 60 male and 20 female basketball teams, drawn from across the FCT. It was a continuation of the spectacular event that began at the 1004 Estate, Victoria Island in December. The high number of teams in the tournament which was spread over four days is giving Webber lovely excitement.
He said, “Before we arrived here from Lagos we were not sure we could get half this number of players and teams but in the end, we had to carefully work out the details on how we could manage the large turnout. Our drive is to get more Nigerians involved but particularly get any form of basketball courts in the communities.
“When you see this large number in tournaments one is quite encouraged and excited because you already know that any court we can build would be put to good use.”
Basketball thrives as a game of fun and entertainment when fixed at a good venue. The Abuja 3×3 Slam Quest was loved by all because it was a really entertaining basketball outing backed by good music and at one of the best venues in the city. The players, fans, and administrators loved it.
Tanko Yusuf, a basketball administrator says of the competition, “Well, the tournament has been very good although it can be better. The players themselves are quite happy getting involved in a competition. I say kudos to the organizers as many of them are featuring in a 3×3 tournament for the very first time and you tell that because they are not so conversant with the rules, speed, or exactly how to play.
“But this has been a very good exposure and we would like more of tournaments like this. It will give these young ones more exposure and improvement for bigger opportunities because right now 3-on-3 is the main thing across the world.”
The large entries in the male category meant all participating teams were classified into six groups while the females were split into two groups.
The tournament organizer, Mr. Opeyemi Babalola, who is the MD /CEO of Webber Engineering Nigeria Ltd., said the idea behind the tournament was to engage the basketball players within and around Abuja in the 3x 3 tournament and to end the year in a good mood with fun-filled activities.
Webber Hoops and Courts into the production of basketball equipment like basketball uprights, the floor, the bleachers, and the crowd barrier was organizing the tournament for the first time in the FCT.
While also applauding the large turnout of players for the tournament, the former Kwara Falcons and Dodan Warriors player said the sponsorship was Webber’s way of influencing young players positively by leading by example and showing them the right path to follow.
Webber Hoops has promised to spread its reach across Nigeria by promoting basketball at the grassroots.
“We plan to do other big cities across Nigeria and definitely other locations and districts in Abuja as well. You will see us coming back. It is going to be a rotary thing and as soon as we get the required collaboration and sponsorships on board you will see us doing more of this every week.”