The third edition of the annual Engr. Musa Kida U-17 basketball Championship has ended in Lagos with last year’s runners- up, Sango Warlords Basketball Academy winning the male and female categories.
In an entertaining final decided Saturday, November, 8, 2025 at
Giant of Africa basketball court Abesan mini stadium,Ipaja, Lagos, the Warlords who trialed their opponents, MC Spencer of Surulere in the first three quarters and greater part of the fourth quarter, found their rhythm towards the end of the last quarter to emerge winners of the two day competition with one point
MC Spencer started the game very well and won the first quarter, 16-2. They followed it up with a 25-18 victory going into the break.
On resumption of the third quarter, they still held their own, leading the game by 33-22 but they lost steam in the final quarter, finding it difficult to make a basket coupled with the fact that they committed many fouls which enabled their opponent to level up scores, scoring the decisive free throw with few seconds to the end of the encouter to win the game 39-38.
Speaking shortly after the encouter, coach of the winning team, Mustapha Saliu described the victory as evidence of determination but was quick to give kudos to their opponent for giving them a good fight.
“I’m so excited about this victory because it was determination and tactical discipline that turned the tide in favour of my boys.
“When they were trailing behind, I told them not to give up and tighten the defence which turned around the game for us”, he stated
He commended the organisers, noting that the tournament will help in grassroots development of the dunk and slam game.
” It’s equally important that I commend the organisers for putting together this championship as it’s helping to keep the youths busy and take them away from crime, drug abuse and other social vices.
Coach Saliu also expressed confidence that his team will successfully defend the title next year.
In his remarks, Coach of Spencer, McSpencer Akpan attributed his team’s defeat to fatigue and the fact that they played with only five players following the disqualification of some of his players by the organisers.
He however expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team, noting that they were not disgraced.
Special guest of honour at the finals, Dr. Olatunji Yusuf Lawal, Chairman/ Managing Director of CACATIN Pharmaceuticals commended the quality of the tournament and the organisers noting that more of such championships is needed for talent discovery and development in the country.
In his remarks, coordinator of the competition, Tayo Adeyemo, expressed happiness that the tournament apart from being an improvement over the past two editions, is also achieving it’s set objectives of grassroots basketball development.
“The championship has been so spectacular and I thank God that it’s improving every year because we have more teams this year than last year.
“In this edition we had teams from Surulere, Sango, Ajegunle and Lekki and the number of matches played this year was also more than that of last year and the spectators have also improved.
” We also observed that the team that came second last year, won this year’s tournament which is an improvement.
Adeyemo explained that part of the reason why the tournament is unique is because, they don’t bend the rules.
” One unique thing about this tournament is that we ensure that only players who are 17 years and below participate because it’s a grassroots championship and we don’t compromise on that.
” Our screening is very strict and it got to a stage that some of the teams pulled out. And if you watch carefully, you’ll discover that one of the teams that played in the finals had only five players.
” We do this because it’s an age grade competition with the purpose of exposing the players to enable them become future champions.
He used the occasion to commend the sponsor, Engr. Musa Kida for his giant contributions to basketball development in the country.
” I want to thank our Patron, Engr. Musa Kida whose passion for basketball goes beyond watching the game. Apart from being President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, he spends money on the game and other sports.
“It will also interest you to know that Engr. Kida is Patron of Yellow House at Wonderland Sports Academy. And this year, when we had the Doregos Interschool basketball championship, he supported us.
He was also full of praise to the official kits sponsor of the tournament, Chief Paul Maduakor of Zenith Sports and prostar Sports International.
Meanwhile, in the female finals, War Queens like their male counterparts, defeated Abesan Estate girls by an overwhelming 34-14 to emerge champions.
In the third place matches, J & F Academy came third in the girls category while SK Basketball Academy came third in the male category.
The top three teams in the boys and girls categories were given medals, with the winners going home with a giant trophy.
There were also individual awards such as; Most Valuable Player, Best Rebounder, Best Defensive Player, Best Coach and Most Disciplined Team, amongst others.
The balls for the competition, T-shirts and awards were donated by Prostars CEO Chief Paul Maduakor
