BY ILESANMI TOMISIN ADELEKE
The grand finale of the Akofa Basketball League for private schools took place over the weekend at the indoor basketball court of Avi Cenna International School in Lagos.
The Ivy League, known as the longest-running private basketball league in Nigeria, has been in operation for 26 years. This year’s competition began with 32 schools. While the league used to hold games during weekdays, it has shifted to a weekend-only schedule (Saturdays), with the season lasting about three months each year.
In the Female Final, Topfield Schools defeated the host team, Avi Cenna, 33-13. The Male Final featured Topfield College overcoming Dansol School, 35-32, in an exciting game that could be compared to David slaying Goliath in the biblical story. Ebunoluwa Onasanya of Topfield School was named the Female MVP, while Folorunsho Jonathan, also from Topfield, was undoubtedly crowned the male MVP, considering his outstanding role during the league.
John Abimbola ‘Fani’ Faniran, the founder of this initiative, emphasizes that the league is not run for profit but aims to introduce and promote the “gospel of basketball” at the secondary school level. Maintaining the league has been challenging due to inconsistent financial support from corporate sponsors, but the vision makes the effort worthwhile.
Regarding Topfield Schools Basketball’s success in the Akofa League, the school principal, Agbolabo Onasanya, stated that in the Female category, his school has been particularly dominant, having won the last seven editions (including 2019, 2020, and 2022–2026). There was a break in this streak due to COVID-19. In the Male category, there is a recurring rivalry between Dansol and Topfield, who have faced each other in the finals for three consecutive years.
Topfield School’s basketball program is quite impressive, with a trophy collection to match. The league has seen many talents emerge from various schools within the state. Program manager Ajowele Abayomi Bobo talks about the league’s strict rules to ensure integrity and prevent cheating, as high standards are set to uphold the league’s ethics.a
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