Lagos – Ishaq Yahaya, the Head Coach of Niger Potters Basketball Club of Minna, has attributed the team’s promotion to the elite DStv Basketball Men’s Premier League to hard work and determination.
A statement issued by Femi Adefeso, Media Officer of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), in Port Harcourt, quoted Yahaya as expressing delight at the team’s performance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Potters defeated APA Flames of Benue 89-80 on Thursday at the ongoing National Division one League in Port Harcourt to gain promotion.
Porters picked one of the two tickets available in the Savannah Conference to qualify to play in the DStv league next season.
Adefeso, in his statement, quoted Yahaya as saying that the team was excited to be back in the country’s elite league.
“We are happy to be back into the elite league, we are returning to the top flight league to make a serious statement.
“But in terms of the rigors of the top flight league, we will be prepared to take every game as they come.
“On my part, l shall report back to the management that we have qualified so that they decide whether we need to strengthen the team with new players.
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“However, I am confident our current players will raise their game and compete favourably in the top flight level,’’ Yahaya was quoted as saying.
NAN reports that the Minna team, in the highly explosive encounter, won the first quarter 18-17, lost second quarter 16-22, won third quarter 22-18 and sealed the last quarter with 33-23 points.
The Potters played with a lot of determination after suffering a shock defeat from Yobe Desert Warriors 77-76 points on Wednesday, making the clash against the Otukpo team a must win.
NAN reports that the Division one league, which is the second tier basketball league in Nigeria, produces the two teams that replace the two relegated teams from the DStv Premier League every year.
The tournament began on Nov. 27 and will end Dec. 6, with no fewer than 12 teams taking part. (NAN)
