Cross River, Bayelsa are Equatorial Conference champions

St. Jude Girls Secondary School Amarata, Bayelsa State, has become the Equatorial Conference champions after beating Marist Comprehensive Secondary School, Uturu, Abia State in the zone’s final of the 18th Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, at the weekend.

On the final day of the boys and girls’ categories of the competition, which attracted basketball enthusiasts, including students, sports council officials and parents, St. Jude Girls Secondary School took control of the girls’ final from the first quarter and never relented, as they won 26 to 11.

Speaking after the game, Coach Tony Nelson of Bayelsa said he would step up preparation for the national final in Asaba, Delta State, saying,

“I am happy my girls got the ticket to be at the National final in Asaba. We are going to intensify our training.”

The boys’ final match between Akwa Ibom and Cross River was thrilling and sensational, with Government Secondary School Barracks Cross River battling with Ritman College Ikot Ikpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The Cross River boys took a 7-4 lead in the first quarter and raced to 20-15, 24-23 before sealing their victory 35-32 in the final quarter.

The Barracks boys’ Coach, Omini Ubi, said his boys enjoyed teamwork, discipline and accurate shooting.

“We played as a team and my players had good understanding and always played to instruction,’’ he said.

Apart from winning the Equatorial Conference, Captain of Government Secondary School Barracks Cross River State, Michael Mba, was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Odiowei Susan of St Jude Girls School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, won the girls MVP award.

Speaking after the final, Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Charles Ndukwe, noted that the championship has been able to engage young talents across the country.