…as ex-players promote sport in Benin
Some ex-Edo basketball players, including Chucks Aninwe and Evangelist Ighodalo Gideon Itua, have expressed their determination to promote the game of basketball in the state.
They enthusiastically made the promise during the opening ceremony of the basketball championship tagged, “Jesus A Team” they organised for the South-South Nigeria, holding in Benin City.
The two ex-players in their separate interviews, said sponsoring such youth championship was a way of giving back to the society.
“We want our youth and government to know that most of our youths can make a living and build a career in the game of basketball.
“As ex-players, we are concerned about the game in Edo State, that is why we want to do everything possible to popularise the sport. And the best way to start is by developing the facility, providing standard kit and medical, as well as regular championship programme to engage the youth.
“We believe to a great extent, that promoting the game along others can remove some youths from the streets and stop social vices,” they said.
Also speaking, former Edo Basketball coach, Roland Onebaneri, and coach, Umaru Victor, commended the organisers of the ongoing basketball competition for giving back to the society, calling on government and well-meaning individuals to help in the development of the game in the state by way of regular sponsorship of the championship.
Meanwhile, Benson Idahosa University male team defeated St. Thomas side 35 – 20 in one of the fixtures, as Aliu Jonathan of BIU distinguished himself in the encounter.
In the other fixtures, PTI Warri beat Divine Speed 20 – 4, Divine Speed Female defeated Osas Academy 20-16, while Impression Asaba out-dunked UNIBEN by 24-20.