Basketball in Africa

by Olusegun Ikuesan

Basketball clubs in Lagos metropolises are in last minute rush to beat the June 14 deadline for registration for the second edition of the Lagos City league billed to commence on June 17 at the sports hall of the Lagos State Sports Council, Rowe Park, Lagos.

According to the Chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association, Babs Ogunade, who disclosed that league could only accommodate twelve male teams and six for female for proper organisation and coordination.

Nigeriasports.com investigation shows that about sixteen male teams have indicated interest in being part of the league which might enjoys the support of corporate organisation in and around Lagos State.

The former Nigeria international said emphatically that the city league which is meant to compliment the nation flagship competition the premier league and the national women league will witness an unprecedented patronage from corporate organizations as no fewer than six multinational have indicated interest in the league.

Ogunade, disclosed that the league will take off as planned even when none of the companies that have shown interest in the league have put pen on paper.

The City league is designed to last for three months with the organizers, LSBBA determined to bring freshness into basketball competition in Nigeria by adopting the playoff style of determining the champion.

To this end the first eight top teams in the male category goes through to the next stage while the first four in the women cadre slugs it out for the diadem.

Referee/coaches clinic will precede the starting of the league so as to update the referees and coaches with the rule that govern the game.