Basketball in Africa

It was a dramatic turnaround for Zamfara State Girls who came from a six point deficit in the first quarter to topple Kano State girls 12-8 in the final of the Confluence Conference of the 2013 Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball championships in Lokoja, Thursday.
The Kano girls' who are the zone's two-time finalist were double-crossed by Zamfara who levelled up in the second quarter while the keenly-contested fourth quarter ended 12:8 in favour of Zamfara.
In the boys' category, Katsina defeated Adamawa 35 - 33 points
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Grace Elebiyo said the people of Kogi are overwhelmed by the opportunity avail them to host the championship, despite the increasing security challenges in the region.
Mrs Elebiyo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in her Ministry, Mr Austin Onubi commended the efforts of the sponsors, Nestle Milo Plc at developing sporting talents in Nigeria, stressing that the state will look forward to hosting Nestle Milo championships in the upcoming years.
"Kogi is a peaceful state and good home for sporting activities, as our governor Idris Wada for love for sports approved and funded this event," she said.
Brand Manager, Nestle Milo Plc, Mrs Funmi Osineye described the year's edition of the Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship as a "champions dunkening time", hinted that a record of 7000 schools are participating in the annual tourney.
The outcome will see Katsina represent the zone in the National finals in Lagos later in July,2013.
Among dignitaries presents were the Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, Commissioner of Sports Puke Anthony, Commissioner of Education, Mrs Elebiyo grace represented by Mr Austin Onubi, Sports Ministry Mr Peter Abu among other.