Hoop Dreams Nigeria and Showtyme Hoopers are celebrating their continued success in the inaugural edition of the Ibadan City Basketball League (ICBL), with both teams maintaining impressive winning streaks as the league enters Match Day 7.
At the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Liberty Spears from the Olubadan group couldn’t withstand the might of Hoop Dreams Nigeria, succumbing to a 29-37 defeat. This victory further extended Hoop Dreams Nigeria’s unbeaten run, showcasing their dominance in the league.
Trust Hoppers, who had a narrow victory over Egbeda LG on Match Day 5, faced a setback against The Polytechnic of Ibadan. The Polytechnic emerged victorious with a score of 52-47, keeping their aspirations for a top finish alive.
Egbeda LG’s failure to appear resulted in a 20-0 walkover victory for Showtyme Hoopers, allowing them to remain undefeated. Showtyme Hoopers continue to impress, aiming to make a significant impact in the inaugural ICBL season.
On Match Day 5, Hoop Dreams Nigeria showcased their prowess with a strong performance, defeating the Adamasingba Spartans 44-26. Trust Hoppers and Unibadan Warriors also secured wins, with Trust Hoppers edging out Egbeda LG 40-35 and Unibadan Warriors overcoming Liberty Spears 44-39.
The ICBL has been a source of joy and excitement for many, thanks to its thrilling and well-organized matches. Barrister Damola Awosika, Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Basketball Association (OSBA) and CEO of Hoop Dreams Nigeria, expressed his satisfaction with the smooth running of the league. He emphasized their commitment to making the ICBL a success and setting a standard for other states to follow.
Barrister Awosika called on individuals and corporate bodies in Oyo State to support the ICBL. He highlighted the efforts of the OSBA board members in funding the league and stressed the importance of additional support to sustain and expand this promising initiative.
Awosika elaborated on the various sponsorship packages available for those interested in supporting basketball in Oyo State. These packages include Endorsement, Full Sponsorship, Associate Sponsors, Partners, and Suppliers, each offering substantial benefits.
Inspired by the success of the ICBL, the OSBA is planning a Secondary School Basketball Championship to further develop basketball talent at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and foster a deeper love for the sport.
The Ibadan City Basketball League, which commenced on April 29, features nine teams competing across six venues. These teams are Showtyme Hoopers, Adamasingba Spartans, The Polytechnic, Loyola Warriors, Liberty Spears, Trust Hoppers, Hoop Dreams Nigeria, Egbeda LG, and UnIbadan Warriors.
The six venues hosting the league games are Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ajani Sports Complex, Liberty Stadium Basketball Court, University of Ibadan Basketball Court, The Polytechnic Basketball Court, and Loyola College Basketball Court.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the City League playoffs, with a prize pool of about a million Naira set aside for the league, which spans ten weeks.
