Maktown, Amazons emerges Fiba Africa Zone 3 Inaugural Champions Academies

The Maktown Basketball Academy and the Amazon Basketball Academy have become winners in the categories of men and women, respectively, in the inaugural edition of the FIBA ​​Aphric Academies Tournament Zone 3, held on the Dolphins Basketball Court, Onipketesi, Ikeja, Lagos.

In an exciting male ending, the Maktown Basketball Academy beat Warlords Academy with a 74-70 victory, ensuring the championship title. The pulsating encounter saw both sides show first level basketball, with Thomas Agbo from Maktown leading the load for the headquarters in Benue.

Despite a strong performance by the war lords, Maktown maintained a relentless pressure in the last quarter to seal the victory.

On women’s side, the Amazons Basketball Academy triumphed over Victoria Queens in another intense confrontation. The Amazon began the game with a strong first quarter, but the Victoria Queens recovered in the second and third quarter to match the contest.

However, a final decisive quarter directed by Femobam Vera saw the Amazons move away to ensure a 23-19 victory and claim the gold medal.

The chief coach of the Amazons, Akinwonjowo Oleadele Akinwande, expressed his gratitude and emotion after the team’s victory.

“This is a dream come true for the girls. We thank God almighty for the victory and our fans who supported us. The team has been training hard since the tournament was announced, and that preparation made the difference, especially against our strong rivals, Victoria Queens,” said Akinwande.

Looking towards the future, Akinwande revealed that the team will immediately begin the preparations for its next challenge: Dr. Olukoya’s basketball tournament, scheduled for July 14 to 15, 2025.

“We are not resting on our laurels. We will continue working hard in all areas to guarantee another excellent exit,” he added.

The coach also praised the organizers of the historical event, particularly Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, president of FIBA ​​Africa Zone 3, for providing a vital platform for young basketball talents in Nigeria.

“Nigeria needs more people with a real passion for the game. We encourage private companies and sponsors to get involved in support for initiatives like this,” Akinwande concluded.

The tournament, which brought together the elite youth academies throughout the region of zone 3, marks an important step forward in the development of basic basketball in Western Africa.