Kebbi state became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of Noah Dallaji U17 Basketball Championship in Kano state. Kebbi state beat Bauchi state 66 to 63 points at the indoor sports hall of Sani Abacha Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking with newsmen after his team victory, the coach of Kebbi state, Suleiman Yauri commended his players for not giving up and pulling a surprise against rated Bauchi.
He revealed that his boys played good defence and offensive defense throughout the game.
Yauri said, “Our defense and offensive defense were very good; our driving to the rims without freestyle and making the points easily gave us an edge over the Bauchi boys. We also developed the ability to play without falls throughout the game; this gave us the final victory.
Yauri said he is confidence that his boys will make it to the finals of the championship.
He said, “I have confidence that the boys will win the semifinals and eventually play in the final.
“Losing two games in the group stages was heartbreaking but as you can see, we pulled a surprise against Bauchi state and we are cruising to the finals. I told the boys not to give up and they made me proud”, he added.
