Folmus tournament ends in style as A.D. Bakre wins four-team wheelchair basketball contest

A.D. Bakre Wheelchair Basketball Club emerged champions of the Folmus Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament after defeating hosts Folmus Adaptive Sports Club 34-28 in a closely contested final held at the National Institute for Sports section of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Despite persistent rainfall that threatened to disrupt proceedings, players, officials, sponsors and spectators turned out in large numbers for the two-day competition, which brought together four teams in a celebration of wheelchair basketball and disability sports development.

The final lived up to expectations as both teams displayed skill, determination and resilience. A.D. Bakre eventually pulled away to secure a six-point victory and lift the championship trophy.Individual excellence was also recognised at the end of the tournament. Durowoju Taiwo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the men’s category, while Elizabeth Teni Ibitoye claimed the women’s MVP award.

Segun Ayodele Bailey was honoured as the tournament’s Best Point Guard.The competition received support from American Cola, Aquavie Premium Bottled Water, and Tealktor Energy Drink, whose contributions helped ensure the successful staging of the event.

Speaking after the tournament, Uche Ike, National Sales Head of Horizon Wellness Nigeria Limited, makers of Aquavie Premium Bottled Water, said supporting sports development remains a key part of the company’s values.

“Our tradition as a business is basically to support good causes that have to do with youths and sports development,” Ike said.

He added that the event reflected the determination often displayed by Nigerians in difficult circumstances.”What we have seen today is a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit. Against all odds, Nigerians will always find a way,” he said.

Beyond the results, the tournament provided an opportunity for athletes from different clubs to interact, build friendships and strengthen the wheelchair basketball community.

Organisers said the success of the competition has strengthened plans to make the invitational tournament an annual event while continuing efforts to attract more corporate sponsors to disability sports.

With exciting matches, individual brilliance and strong support from stakeholders, the Folmus Invitational once again highlighted the growing potential of wheelchair basketball in Nigeria and the role of sports in promoting inclusion and empowerment.