Wheelchair b’ball boss promises best outing in Ogun

President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, has said the forthcoming Abeokuta Championship will be the biggest national event this year, adding that it is expected to be one of the most important tournaments for players.

The national championship, which will be staged from June 22 to 25 at the Abeokuta Sports Stadium in Ogun State, will also serve as a selection for this year’s African Para Games in Ghana.

The event is expected to produce stiff competition as Nigeria’s finest players from 20 states are expected to vie for spots at the Africa Para Games.

Speaking ahead of the event, the federation president said the occasion would produce the best athletes for the championship in Ghana.

“The wheelchair basketball championship is going to be the biggest national event this year because players will be vying for spots ahead of the African Para Games,” Johnson said.

“Nigeria have players scattered across the country and the only way for them to showcase their talent is to organise a championship. We want to present the best athletes for the Para Games, so we can finish on the podium in Ghana.

“Technical officials and top Paralympic Committee of Nigeria officials are going to witness the championship; this is to ensure the level of seriousness attached to it.”

The sports administrator added that the federation was working to ensure the welfare of the players was top priority.

He said, “The board is aware of the challenges faced by the wheelchair basketball players; that is why the federation has concluded arrangements to give accommodation to the participating teams. The board commends BetKing for partnering with the federation in organising the national championship.”