Coach Adebayo Abullahi Bukola has pledged unwavering moral support to Nigerian teams still competing at the maiden Africa School Games after leading the country’s 3×3 Basketball squad to a silver medal finish. The event concluded on Monday at Chappi Beach in Annaba, Algeria—one of four host cities of the Games.
“My team and I were massively supported, and we ended our campaign with a silver medal,” the coach said. “Now that we’re out of the competition, we’ll return the favour by supporting the other Nigerian teams still in action.”
Despite narrowly losing 11-10 to Rwanda in the final, Bukola blamed the defeat on questionable officiating.
“I’m sad we lost by a point, mainly due to biased officiating. The Algerian referee clearly showed contempt for our team,” he alleged. “Still, I’m proud we didn’t disgrace ourselves. We’re going home with our heads high—and a silver medal.”
Rwanda had earlier defeated Nigeria in the group stage and came into the final with more confidence, eventually securing the gold.
In the medal ceremony, ANOCA President Mustafa Berraf presented gold medals to the Rwandan team, while Nigeria’s Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, Treasurer-General of ANOCA and the country’s sole International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, awarded the silver medals to Nigeria.
In another positive result, Nigeria also secured a silver medal in badminton.