- optimistic about the future of Nigerian basketball
By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh has lauded the efforts of Rivers Hoopers, after securing a historic bronze medal at the just concluded fourth edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Port Harcourt-based basketball team came third, after defeating South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers 80-57 last Friday, to secure Nigeria’s first ever podium finish at the continental basketball event.
This feat made Hoppers the first Nigerian team to be in the top three ranking in Africa, and the team coach, Ogoh Odaudu who was named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year, giving a double triumph for the country.
Enoh, on Sunday, said the achievement shows that sports development extends beyond the federal level. He added that Rivers State has showcased the immense potential within each state to bring glory to the nation through sports development.
“This clearly demonstrates that sports development is beyond the Federal Government. Rivers State has clearly demonstrated that every state has huge potential in sports that brings glory to our nation. They have committed to evolving and we see it.They have brought immense pride to our nation,”the Minister said, while welcoming the team in Lagos.
On behalf of the ministry, he expressed sincere gratitude to the Rivers Hoopers for raising the national flag high, affirming that the bronze medal signifies a huge step forward for Nigerian basketball.
Enoh said: “We celebrate our players , our hero’s, our stars, our champions, God bless you. We will keep giving you the needed backing as the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.”
