Oyo Braves emerge champions at maiden Renewed Hope Basketball Championship

Posted : 19 May 2026

Oyo Braves Basketball Team emerged champions of the maiden South-West edition of the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Basketball Championship after defeating Lasgidi Kings 21-14 in the final held in Akure, Ondo State.

The two-day championship, which began on Saturday and concluded on Monday at Democracy Park, featured 12 teams drawn from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo states.

Oyo Braves produced an impressive performance throughout the tournament and sealed the title with a dominant display against the Lagos-based side in the final.

To reach the final, Lasgidi Kings defeated Rising Stars of Oyo 20-16 in the semi-final, while Oyo Braves overcame Eko Islanders 21-12.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by his aide, Mr. Kunle Saliu, described sports as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, peace, and national unity.

According to him, the championship was designed to create opportunities for young people and encourage positive engagement through sports.

“Sports bring the youth together and this competition is not just about winning but about hope, progress, opportunities and sportsmanship,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also pledged continued support and partnership with the South-West Basketball Association to sustain youth-focused sporting initiatives in the region.

South-West representative of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Olumide Oyedeji, described the competition as a huge success and praised the standard displayed by participating teams.

Oyedeji noted that the championship created a platform for young basketball talents across the South-West to showcase their abilities and gain exposure.

He also commended the Ondo State Government, organisers, and sponsors for ensuring a peaceful and well-organised tournament.

Coaches Taiwo Ajibola Eleniyan and Momoh Zakari hailed the championship as an important avenue for youth development and talent discovery.

They urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the South-West Basketball Association to sustain the competition to help develop more basketball talents in the country.

Some players who participated in the championship also expressed satisfaction with the exposure and quality of organisation.

Akinbola Olawale of Rising Stars, Chibike of Ondo Raiders, and Jimoh Sodiq from Ekiti praised the organisers and called for more regional basketball competitions to further develop the sport.

The maiden tournament concluded as an impactful celebration of regional athletic potential and youthful dedication. With Oyo Braves securing the ultimate victory, the event successfully highlighted the exceptional talent pool present within the South-West zone. Stakeholders and participants remain highly optimistic that consistent staging of the championship will continue to foster athletic excellence and unity nationwide.

Oyo Braves emerge champions at maiden Renewed Hope Basketball Championship

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