Hoops N’ Read have emerged champions of the 4th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Unity Basketball Championship, ending Police Baton’s unbeaten run in a gripping finale at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday.
The Lagos-based side triumphed 55–52 in a nail-biting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, clinching the title in the 12-team tournament designed for clubs across the South West region.
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Tournament MVP Ikenna Okpaluba led Hoops N’ Read’s charge with 14 points, while Taiwo Adedoyin dominated the boards with 10 rebounds to keep the team’s rhythm intact throughout the game.
Police Baton started strong, taking control in the first quarter, but Hoops N’ Read’s defensive intensity turned the tide in the second period as they pulled ahead 29–20. By the third quarter, the gap had widened to 43–29. Baton’s late surge in the final quarter proved too little, too late as Hoops N’ Read sealed the win with a three-point margin.
Earlier in the day, Oluyole Warriors defeated Delta Force 68–55 to finish third in the championship.
The top three teams shared prize monies worth millions of naira in what organizers described as one of the most competitive editions of the CDS Basketball Tournament so far.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, OFR, commended the players for their display of “talent, resilience, and teamwork,” describing the tournament as a reflection of Nigeria’s unity and determination.
“The past few days have showcased our strength and perseverance as a people,” General Musa said. “This event, held in commemoration of our Independence Day, reaffirms our collective spirit and demonstrates how sports can foster national security and unity through a non-kinetic approach.”
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, General Aliyu Abdullahi (rtd), expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for ensuring the smooth running of the championship, noting the week-long event was filled with “intensity, fun, and friendship,” and thankfully, no major injuries were recorded.
Dignitaries present at the grand finale included representatives from the Nigeria Basketball Federation, led by Deputy President Babs Oguande, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Phillip Shaibu, among others.
With their victory, Hoops N’ Read not only claimed bragging rights as regional champions but also reinforced Lagos’ growing dominance in the national basketball scene.
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