Rivers State basketball head coach, Fubara Humphrey Onyanabo, voiced his frustration following his team’s 69-56 win over Bauchi at the ongoing National Sports Festival. Despite securing victory, Coach Onyanabo was far from impressed with the players’ attitude and execution during the game.
“We didn’t play to instructions at all,” he said. “The players weren’t moving the offense, they weren’t playing defense, and there were so many loose balls we could have picked.”
The game began with Rivers on the back foot, struggling to contain a determined Bauchi side. It wasn’t until the second half that Rivers began to show more control, eventually pulling ahead thanks to better teamwork and pressure on both ends.
But Coach Onyanabo remained critical.“They were too confident, thinking they could overpower their opponents without doing the basics,” he explained. “For me, I don’t believe in being a big name off the court. I want my players to play big on the court.”
Looking ahead, the coach demanded more discipline from his team. “Our focus in the next game is to play defense and push the game forward,” he said. “Today, the boys didn’t move the game forward. If we face a team that plays with speed and intent, we must match that level.”
Coach Onyanabo also addressed officiating issues and urged for a better scouting presence from the Nigerian Basketball Federation. “This tournament is a great opportunity to scout players for the national team,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of talent here since it started. I hope the Federation has people on the ground watching.”
As Rivers State continues in the tournament, Onyanabo is counting on a more focused and disciplined performance from his players moving forward.
