By Yusuf A. Yusuf
Jigawa Golden Stars emerged champions of the maiden North-West DAM Foundation Basketball Championship, defeating Kaduna Fresh Stars 41–36 in a keenly contested final played at the DAM Foundation Recreational Centre in Kano.
The Jigawa side dominated proceedings across all four quarters, holding off a late surge from their Kaduna counterparts to seal victory before a large crowd of spectators.
In the women’s category, D-Sun Female Basketball Team edged Kano Bukavu Blinks Queens 40–38 in a thrilling encounter to claim the title.
For their triumph, Jigawa Golden Stars pocketed the top prize of $5,000 and a trophy, while Kaduna Fresh Stars earned $2,000 as runners-up, with the third-placed team receiving $1,000. In the women’s event, D-Sun claimed $1,500, while Bukavu Blinks Queens settled for $500.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and founder of the DAM Foundation, Abdullahi Mustapha, described sports as a vital tool for unity, empowerment and national development. He noted that the level of competition and sportsmanship displayed during the البطولة underscores a bright future for basketball in the country.
Mustapha also lauded Nigeria’s women’s national team, D’Tigress, for winning a third consecutive AfroBasket title, while recalling the historic feat of the men’s team, D’Tigers, who stunned the United States at the Olympics.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to youth development through sports, aligning its vision with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his remarks, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable platform for youth empowerment. He stressed the need for more programmes targeting young people, noting their importance to the nation’s future.
Jigawa State Director of Sports, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, praised the athletes’ performances, saying the outcome reflects renewed progress in sports development within the state. He called for increased government investment to nurture emerging talents.
Coach of the champions, Gambo Musa, attributed the victory to discipline and determination, describing it as a significant milestone for basketball in the North-West. He also appreciated the support of the state government, which he said enabled the team’s qualification for the National Sports Festival for the first time.
Dignitaries at the event included academics from Bayero University Kano, sports administrators, and other stakeholders.
