By Chinedum Ohanusi
The 2023 edition of the Major General T. A Gagariga Under-17 inter-Barracks Classic, has ended in Abuja, with G-Ranks Basketball Club from Bauchi crowned champions of the three-day tournament.
Having won all three of their round robin matches, G-Ranks (an invited team) topped the log ahead of Mogadishu Cantonment, while Luingi and Mambilla Barracks finished in third and fourth.
In Saturday’s final, played at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Mogadishu Cantonment, formerly called General Sani Abacha Barracks; G-Ranks triumphed 50-42, to inflict a second defeat on the Abuja powerhouse.
However, they didn’t have it all their own way, as they had to rally from a 24 – 27 first half deficit, to record the spectacular victory.
Like G-Ranks, Luingi Barracks who won the bronze medal match, also needed to raise their game in the third and fourth quarters, to be able to beat Mambilla Barracks 68-63, having trailed 26-27 at after the second quarter.
The final was graced by the sponsor of the tournament, Major General T.A Gagariga who expressed satisfaction at the organization of the classic and level of competitiveness by the teams.
He also told reporters that with the support he has received from a colleague, Major General U. S. Mohammed, he will explore ways of expanding the scope of the competition, in the future.
Awards: Top Five Players
Point Guard – Haruna Shehu (Mogadishu Cantonment)
Shooting Guard – Nazareth Adie (Mogadishu Cantonment)
Power Forward – Dominic Abba (Lungi Barrack Lions)
Small Forward – Jerry (Mambilla Barrack)
Center – Peter Emmanuel (G-Ranks Basketball)
MVP 2023 – Solomon Iliya (G-Ranks Basketball)
