Kaduna, Kano Battle for Noah Dallaji U-17 Basketball Title
As curtains fall on the Noah Dal laji Legacy Under -17 Basketball Tournament at the indoor sports hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano today, Kaduna have their eyes firmly focused on winning the trophy today when they file out against Kano.
Coach of the Kaduna State team, Sim Morrison insisted at the weekend that having come this far to this stage of the tournament, nothing else will be worth their trip save for the trophy.
“We are ready for Kano, the same way we won our games to be in the final is the way we will shock Kano. It’s not going to be an easy game but I know my boys are up to the task,” Morrison stressed with optimism.
Kaduna on Friday defeated Kebbi in the first semifinals. The lads from the Kada City won all their sets but the last to see off Kebbi (62-70).
However, it remains to be seen how Kano playing before their fanatical home fans will give up without a fight.
Coach of the Kano team Ibrahim Maku said his boys cannot afford to disappoint their tee ming fans in Sunday’s final adding that the only way to pay them back is to win the title.
“We remained focused even after def eating Plateau who beat us earlier. It was not easy to get that victory to reach this final. We have re-st rategiz ed and plugged those areas that made us concede defeat to Plateau .”
He described their fans in Kano as their motivating factor.
“Our fans have been a great asset to us, supporting and encouraging us this far. We cannot afford to disappoint them in the Sunday’s final.
The tournament which began last Sunday incorporatesa basketball clinic and mentor ship session, slam dunk contest, as well as music, dance and comedy.
Popular entertainment icon, AY, is the host of the competition, which also have such musical idols as Yemi Alade, Reekado Banks, Dija and Mr. P. slated to perform at today’s closing ceremony.