ABU set for WAUG basketball tourney

“We are doing everything possible to surpass Ghana who hosted the first edition. All the facilities for the championship are in place while work is going on those to be upgraded,” he said. Prof. Nasidi who is ABU deputy Vice Chancellor, administration said aside the school basketball indoor court, four other outside courts are wearing new look.

“The indoor court has been put into new shape, the four outside courts has been relayed with asphalt and better illumination. There are enough hostels to accommodate the visitors,” Prof. Nasidi explained. He however said aside the Sports Ministry that has promised to support in the provision of uprights and other logistics, Kano state government has thrown its weight behind the hosting while the Kaduna government has also promised to assist.

“Aside the two state government, we have also received support from Standard Trust Bank and UBA. We will be in Abuja this week to see the Sports Minister who has also promised to support in the successful hosting of the championship,” the LOC boss added. He revealed that about 40 teams are expected to participate in the championship stressing that aside the Nigerian universities that would provide the largest number of teams, Ghana would be represented by five teams, Senegal two, while other countries would be well represented.

Speaking on the preparedness of ABU teams, director of sports, Dr. Farouk Haruna said the Ivory Tower has competent coaches that have the wherewithal to win the championship. “We have up to five to six national team players in our male team. And playing at home, we have a whole advantage of teeming supporters to cheer us and boost the morale of the players. With enough support from our Vice Chancellor, the sky is the limit for us,” he said.

Dr. Haruna added that the target of the male team is to better the last performance in Ghana where the team came third and win the gold, while the female team would also not be caught napping.
 
By: By Bimbo Adesina - Newage