Ado Salisu
Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF,has crowned Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, and Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, as champions of the boys’ and girls’ categories at this year’s Inter-Secondary Schools Basketball Savannah Conference.
The tournament, held at the indoor sports hall of the Sani Abacha Sports Complex, featured intense competition among schools across the Savannah Conference zone.
In the boys’ final, the Katsina-based team edged Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa State, with a narrow 63-62 victory in a thrilling encounter.
In the girls’ category, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, defeated Government Girls College, Bauchi, 53-43 points to emerge champions.
Earlier in the semi-finals, the Katsina boys’ team secured a convincing 75-60 win over Dutse Model International School, Jigawa State, while the Taraba girls’ team defeated Government Mega College, Doma, Gombe State, 63-40 to book a place in the final.
Following their victories, both champions will represent the Savannah Conference at the national finals scheduled to hold later this year at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium.
The closing ceremony featured cultural dance performances by participating schools, presentation of trophies, cheques, gifts, and Nestlé Milo products to outstanding players and winning teams.
Among dignitaries present at the event were President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph; Nestlé Milo Category Development Manager, Funnilola Abiola Oyewole; and Head Coach of the national basketball team, Sani Ahmad.
Organisers also announced that the Central Conference of the championship will hold in Abuja, while the Atlantic Conference will take place in Asaba and the Western Conference in Ibadan.