Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire Set For Lagos Wheelchair Basketball Tourney

The Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria (WBFN) has said that countries invited for the 2nd Victor Ochei International Wheelchair Basketball Championships were responding positively.

The federation’s Secretary, Victor Anusa, told Tidesport yesterday in Lagos that of the four countries invited, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire had indicated interest in participation.

Anusa said that he was confident that the Republic of Benin and Togo would also participate in the event scheduled to hold from February 18 and 23 in Lagos.

The outgoing secretary said the event would be used to select players for the U-23 championships in South Africa later in the year.

Anusa disclosed that arrangements for the competition were being concluded.

He said that invitations had also been extended to state associations and athletes who would like to take part.

“I am looking forward to a universal standard championships that will prepare my athletes for the South Africa Games,’’ he said.

Anusa said the tournament in South Africa would provide a leeway to the World U-23 Wheelchair Basketball Championships in October in Turkey.

“The federation will hopefully use the Ochei event as a veritable platform to achieve tickets to both the continental and global championships,’’ he said.

The secretary thanked the sponsor of the tournament for keeping faith with the organisers, in spite of some odds.

He appealed to Nigerians to emulate Ochei, who is helping the physically challenged to be able to cater for themselves.

The sponsor of the championships, Victor Ochei, is the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.