Rising Stars dethrone UI to win Propella Basketball Challenge
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju.
Rising Stars on Monday defeated the University of Ibadan (UI) Basketball Club 21–18 to win the seventh edition of the Propella 3×3 Male Open Basketball Challenge held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Showtyme emerged third after edging Ondo Raiders 21–16. UI, the defending champions, put up a spirited performance in a keenly contested final but narrowly lost the title.
Speaking after the game, UI coach, Momoh Zika, attributed his team’s defeat to inadequate preparation occasioned by ongoing examinations.
Zika explained that the players had little time to train together, as they had to juggle academic commitments with the competition.
“They left their examinations to play this game. We didn’t have any training session together to correct mistakes or build stamina.
“When students read overnight, they lose leg strength. However, they gave their best, and I am proud of them,” he said.
Coach of Rising Stars, Taiye Shobogun, told NAN that his team is made up of young and upcoming players whose speed and agility gave them an edge.
“Our players are fast and swift on their feet. Their speed and precision with the ball paved the way for this victory, coupled with their skills.
“They shot about 80 per cent more than UI, and that made the difference,” Shobogun said.
The convener of the competition, Tunde Popoola, said the event had now become an invitational tournament to improve the quality of play.
Popoola disclosed that 12 teams participated in this year’s edition, including six teams from outside Ibadan.
“Since UI will be hosting the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games in 2026, we invited institutions to give them the opportunity to prepare and strengthen their teams ahead of the event.
“Four universities participated in this year’s competition,” he said.
Popoola added that the quality of skills displayed by participants had improved significantly over the years, describing this year’s edition as exceptional.
“It was a highly competitive tournament, and everyone gave their best. Over the years, many skilful players have emerged from this annual event,” he said.
NAN reports that Rising Stars received ₦150,000 as prize money for winning the tournament, while UI got ₦100,000 and Showtyme ₦50,000.
Lawrence Asieru emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition.
