Why Kwara Falcons played in the Louis Edem Basketball Invitational - Jubril Baba

The head coach of Kwara Falcons Jubril Baba has explained why his team participated in the Louis Edem Basketball Championship.

Kwara Falcons were too good for nine other teams after they emerged as the first champions in the six-day tournament on Saturday.

Baba’s Falcons defeated Ghana’s Spintex Knights 57-65 in an exciting final game played inside the Indoor Hall at the National Stadium, Surulere.

The Nigerian champions were inspired by Victor Eze, who was crowned the most valuable player and winner of N100,000.

After the win on Saturday, Kwara Falcons boss, Baba, in an exclusive chat with Pulse Sports Nigeria, explained why his team featured in the tournament.

Falcons will represent Nigeria at the 2023 Basketball Africa League, BAL, as Nigerian champions. The Kwara side will be making their debut when the elite league tips off next month.

According to him, the calibre of teams in the competition made it a good tournament to prepare for the BAL.

“Exactly, that’s why we are here (to prepare for BAL),” Baba told Pulse Sports.

“You know the calibre of teams that participated in this tournament they are top-class teams, they are some of the best teams.”

“All the teams that participated are the best in the country right now and coupled with the fact they brought a Ghanaian team (Spintex Knights) - a very talented team. The Ghanaian team is a very good test for us and I really appreciate them for coming over here to participate.”

“So, it (Louis Edem Basketball Championship) is like a preparation for the BAL.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian champions have been handed a difficult group in the BAL which tips off next month.

As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, Kwara Falcons, who are making their debut in the elite competition, have been drawn into the Sahara Conference.

Falcons will battle it out with defending champions US Monastir and five other teams in the conferences including three other debutants.

The Nigerian champions will start their journey against Rwanda Energy Group, REG, on March 3, 2023, at the Dakar Arena.