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By Joe Apu
Maktown Basketball Academy emerged champion of the inaugural FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament on Monday, overcoming a resilient Warlords Academy side in a thrilling 74–70 finale at the Webber Engineering-themed Dolphins Basketball Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
The boys from Ilupeju, known as the Warlords, battled tenaciously but fell short against Maktown’s relentless pressure, spearheaded by standout performer Thomas Agbo, who eventually earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the male category.
In the female category, Amazons Basketball Academy clinched the title after a dramatic showdown against Victoria Queens. Despite losing ground in the second and third quarters, the Amazons surged back in the final stretch, led by the dynamic Hembam Vera, to seal a 23–19 win and secure gold.
Coach Akinwonjowo Oladele Akinwande of Amazons expressed his gratitude in an interview with First ZealMediacast Blog, attributing the win to divine support and the unyielding spirit of his team.
“Thanks to Almighty God for giving us the victory. The girls were well-prepared and determined, especially against our rivals, Victoria Queens,” said Akinwande, while also announcing the team’s readiness to begin preparations for the upcoming Dr. Olukoya Basketball Tournament scheduled for July 14–15.
He praised the organisers and FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Samuel Ahmedu, for providing a valuable platform for grassroots talent development in Nigerian basketball. “Nigeria needs more passionate sports stakeholders like him,” Akinwande emphasised.
Hembam Vera, who was named MVP in the female category, described the experience as surreal. “I give all glory to God Almighty. I’m grateful to my coach and teammates for their support. It’s an honour to be part of this tournament,” said Vera, who also commended Col. Ahmedu for his contribution to youth basketball.
Other highlights of the event included individual skill contests. Alex Otu (Impression Academy) and Moda Ajani (Victoria Queens) dazzled in the three-point shootout, while Ola Promise (Raptors Academy) won the crowd with a standout performance to clinch the slam dunk contest.
Veteran Nigerian comedian, Gordons, was also in attendance, adding entertainment flair and lending his support to the event.
The historic tournament, which spotlighted youth talent across Nigeria, is expected to become a recurring fixture, encouraging more private and corporate involvement in grassroots basketball.
