By ADO SALISU
The Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, and Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State have emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at this year’s Inter-Secondary Schools Basketball Savannah Conference.
The tournament, which formed part of the Nestlé Milo Inter-Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, was held at the indoor sports hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano.
In a closely contested boys’ final, the Katsina side edged Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa State 63–62 in a thrilling encounter that went down to the final moments, reflecting the intensity and competitive nature of the championship.
On the girls’ side, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State delivered a solid performance to defeat Government Girls College, Bauchi 53–43, in a well-contested final that showcased strong teamwork and discipline from both sides.
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Earlier in the semi-final stage, the Katsina boys booked their place in the final after a convincing 75–60 victory over Dutse Model International School, Jigawa State, demonstrating attacking strength and composure throughout the game. In the second semi-final, Government Mega College, Doma, Gombe State fell 40–63 to the Taraba girls’ team, who maintained control of the game to secure their spot in the final.
With these results, Katsina and Taraba have stamped their authority on the Savannah Conference, capping a memorable tournament filled with emerging talent, high-level competition, and impressive displays from secondary school athletes across the region.
The two winners for boys and girls are expected to represent the Savannah Conference in the final stage of the championship scheduled to hold later in the year at the indoor sports hall of the National stadium Surulere Lagos.
Highlights of the event include performing of cultural dances by the participants, presentation of gifts, Nestle Milo products, cheques and trophies to the deserving individuals players as well as the winners went home with their giant trophies at the occasion.
The President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Mrs Olabisi Joseph, the Nestle Milo Category Development Funnilola Abiola Oyewole and Head coach National basketball team, Sani Ahmad were among the dignitaries who attended the colourful closing ceremony.
The Central conference will now hold in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, the Atlantic Conference in Asaba. Delta state and western Conference in Ibadan, Oyo state.
