Stanley Gumut powered Nigeria to victory in the final of the inaugural FIBA Africa Zone 3 3×3 Tour at the National Stadium in Lagos with nine points and six rebounds as Nigeria beat a stiff opposition from Cote d’Ivoire to win the Men’s gold medal by 17-13 points.
Gumut who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament expressed joy winning the championship
He said: “I feel great really, it always feels great to be a champion”.
Yahaya Abdul also came up big in the final minutes scoring three of his five points while Azuoma Dike added three points to outwit the Ivorian team who lead 9-7 and tied the game 13-13 with less than two minutes left. Adje Anouh scored five points while Codlibal Abdoul added four points in the loss for the Ivorians.
“This is a great competition and I hope the organisers will continue because it early helps basketball in Africa”. Codibal said.
Team Nigeria took home $2000 alongside medals and trophies for victory in the final game while Cote d’Ivoire went home with $1000 including medals and Ghana who beat Togo in the third place game by 18-14 points won $500 for their effort.
In the Under-18 category, Liberia emerged champion having conquered Nigeria in the semifinals before edging past Cote d’Ivoire 14-12. The Nigerian Boys couldn’t shake off the semifinal disappointment as they once again fell to Togo 8-11 in the third place playoffs.
