Niger Coach, Kuta Thumb-up Nigeria Federation

Speaking in an exclusive telephone chat with www.fiba-africa.com, the coach who also double as the head coach of the North Central Nigeria top team, Niger Potters Basketball Club says though the U18 national championship which attracted 16 states of the federation came a little late but it is a good omen that the Nigeria federation is now serious with basketball development and not only promotion which the top league – The Premier League represent.

Coach Kuta whose men team lost its opening group game to Kaduna State by 70-49 points rose from that defeat to beat Oyo State with a narrow 73-71 points while the girls defeated Benue state by 54-13 points in her third group game after going down to Ondo State by 32-26 and Kano 57-12 points respectively in her first and second group matches.

The Gwari-born basketball tactician says the championship will afford coaches who are interested in the development of basketball in the country to discover and nurture the young talent on display.

He posited that the Nigeria federation should endeavour to make the championship an annual event so as to continue with the project of talent hunt.

“I am indeed happy that at last the Nigeria Basketball Federation has taken the bull by the horn by re-introducing the national U18 Men and Women Championship which has been in limbo for years.

“I am particularly happy for the young kids who have been yarning for an avenue such as this to show case their raw talents and at least catch the fancy of a few premier league coaches around.

“It is not enough to reintroduce this championship, but its continuation is important so I’m appealing to the NBBF to make it an annual event.

Kano girls have remained consistent after posting a second victory beating Niger and Ondo States by 57-12 and 51-33 points respectively.

Kaduna men team have also show some consistency by keeping a clean slate in the two matches it has played so far, the Kaduna boys defeated Niger State 70-49 points in its first group game and posted another heart warming victory over Edo State with an 86-36 points walloping.

Day-1 Results Men:

Kano 69-50 Enugu

Kaduna 70-49 Niger

Gombe 59-37 Imo

Anambra 46-45 Imo

Day-1 Women:

Edo 55-31 Kaduna

Imo 44-07 Gombe

Ondo 32-26 Niger

Kano 44-42 Benue

Kano 57-12 Niger

Day-2 Men:

Enugu 44-39 Benue

Gombe 71-37 Katsina

Kaduna 86-36 Edo

Zamfara 47-36 Sokoto

Niger 73-71 Oyo

Day-2 Women:

Edo 3-27 Rivers

Imo 57-27 Kaduna

Niger 54-13 Benue

Rivers 28-20 Gombe

Imo 36-31 Edo

Kano 51-33 Ondo