AS the 4th edition of the Wheelchair Basketball Championship ends today in Lagos, the force behind the rejuvenation of the game in Nigeria, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, says the tournament will get better.
Through the individual efforts and support of Victor Ochei, the game of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria has witnessed a major turn around in the last four years. This year’s edition has recorded a large turn out of 16 foreign-based players competing for various clubs, a record Ochei sees as good for the game.
Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Ochei, who is the Grand Patron of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria, said his passion for the game would continue.
Since he left government in May this year, there were fears in some quarters that Victor Ochei might withdraw his sponsorship of the Wheelchair Basketball Championship.
But the former Delta State Speaker said he would continue to give the competition the needed financial backing, revealing that he was inspired to do it.
Also speaking yesterday, President of Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, former Ogun State Sports Commissioner, Bukola Olopade, described Ochei as a noble Nigeria with the love of the physically challenged at heart.
The championship serves as selection of players for the African Championship in Algeria, which is also a Rio 2016 Olympics qualifier. Nigeria male and female teams will leave for Algeria soon.
Oyo State wheelchair basketball team ‘Oluyole Boys’ who defeated Edo State team in the final last year is eyeing the trophy once again. They are among the semi finalist this year alongside Lagos, Ogun and Edo State. In the female category, Team Ogun, Delta and Imo scaled through.
Oyo State male wheelchair basketball team emerged champion last year, while Delta State team won the female event defeating Lagos in the final.
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