Fans Laud Security Arrangement At Basketball Championship

Participants in the NBBF/DSTV Basketball Premier League Final Eight Championship in Lagos have commended the security arrangement by the organisers.

The participants said that the safety of the players, coaches and spectators were taken care of by the organisers, thereby ensuring a hitch-free competition so far.

Armed policemen were positioned inside and outside the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos, venue of the tournament to maintain the peace.

Bouncers, said to been engaged by the organisers, were seen around helping to ensure that miscreants are kept away.

Abimbola Faniran, a statistician, told newsmen that “with the level of insecurity in the country, I am not surprised with the number of security personnel the organisers have on ground”.

He said the NBBF had provided an enabling environment for the teams and fans at the tournament.

Timothy Terry, 22, a Yelwa Hawks player, also praised the Lagos-based clubs hosting the competition for providing adequate security.

He called on the state governments to beef up security in their areas to stem incessant bombings and violence.

Coach Sani Turi of Kada Stars said the hosts had put in place tight security measures to check any unforeseen violent behaviour.

According to him, the security measures put in place by the hosts are superb and worthy of emulation.

“I will say the hosts can be recommended to host an international or continental championship because they know what it takes to host.”

Musa Aleru, a basketball fan from Kano, told newsmen that “one should give it to the hosts in terms of security and the organisation generally”.

Aleru, whose brother plays for Kano Pillars Basketball Club, said that though Lagos State did not have serious security challenges, the organisers still did the right thing.

The 2010/2011 Final Eight championship to determine the winner of the basketball premier league, is being hosted by Dodan Warriors, Lagos Islanders, Ebun Comets, Police Baton, Union Bank and Chariots.