Lagos – The Head Coach of Raptors Academy, Charles Ibeziako, said on Saturday that his team was prepared to clash with Deepbond Academy in the ongoing Lagos City Basketball League playoff final.
Ibeziako told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the team spirit was high and that it would beat Deepbond to emerge the champions of the champions of the 2015/2016 season.
“It has been a terrific tournament that brought the best out of our players; we have well rested during the festive periods and soon began our preparations for the championship finals.
“We understand the strength and capabilities of our opponents, having come second in the regular season; we beat them twice when we met so there is no cause for alarm.
“The only serious threat for us in the competition has always been Deepbond Academy, but we are going to give them a big fight for the crown when we meet,’’ Ibeziako said
Meanwhile, Lai Alimi, the Deepbond Academy coach, said that the team was mentally ready to challenge for the championship title.
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He said that the team had done well during the regular season and with the victory over Unilag Academy, its confidence was high to clinch the championship.
“It is going be tough, but we are ready to match any team’s onslaught; we are going to be champions at the end because our team strength is superior to others,’’ Alimi boasted.
Raptors had edged past former DStv Basketball League team, Police Batons, 83-72 to set up the clash with Deepbond who beat Unilag Academy, 58-51 in a well-contested match.
The city league playoffs which began on Friday is a competition among Raptors, Police Batons, Deepbond Academy and the Unilag Academy to determine the champions of the 2015/2016 season.
The city league regular season began in July 2015 with six other teams — Warriors Academy, Continent Braves, Ikeja Shooters, NAF Rockets, Flames and Freedom Reign — competing for honours.
The Raptors Academy clash with Deepbond Acdemy will be played on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Yaba while the third-place match between Unilag Academy and Police Batons will also take place at the venue. (NAN)
