By Isaac Afolabi
Ondo State basketball team, Ondo Raiders, have secured a quarter-final spot at the ongoing Southwest 3×3 Basketball Championship taking place at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure.
The Akure-based side delivered an impressive performance, recording over four victories in their preliminary matches on Saturday.
However, the second Ondo State team, Ondo Kings, produced an average outing in the competition but full of hope ahead of the rest of the games today.
Other teams that have also booked places in the next round of the highly competitive championship include Lagos-based sides, Lasgidi Kings and Eko Islanders, as well as Oyo Braves, who thrilled fans with an outstanding display at Democracy Park.
The preliminary games, which could not be concluded on Saturday (yesterday)due to the intense and highly competitive nature of the matches, are expected to continue this morning(Sunday 17/05/2026)before the knockout rounds commence.
Speaking shortly after one of the games, the Head Coach of the Ondo State basketball team, Mr. Sola Aluko, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the players, noting that the tournament serves as an avenue for talent discovery and development of the game of basketball in Africa and Nigeria at large.
Coach Aluko described the competition as fierce and highly technical, adding that he remains optimistic his team will improve in the next stage of the tournament.
He, however, acknowledged the quality of the opposing teams and the tactical input of other coaches in the championship describing Nigeria as a hub of talented sports men and women.
The remaining preliminary games will be concluded this morning at Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final matches are scheduled to begin by 12 noon.
According to the organisers, several prizes await the winning teams, while individual awards will also be presented to outstanding players, coaches, and exceptional sportsmen and women.
Spectators are also expected to receive gifts during the event which promises to be full of fun and show of skills.
Among top basketball coaches and players who graced the game yesterday included former national male basketball team D’tigers captain Olamide Oyedeji.