The Abuja based Air Warriors Babes on Tuesday defeated the Nigerian army’s Amazons by 77 to 41 points on the final day of the Savannah Conference phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League 2019. The victory meant that the Air Warriors had won the Savannah conference after the conference phase of the competition, which was taking place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Air Warriors did a light job of their military service colleagues, as they barely struggle to put an end to their unbeaten outstanding performance. Coach Samson Sotuminu unleashed his dynamic trio of Kasham Emmanuel, Chinwe Okah and Murjanatu Musa in the Army Amazone in the first quarter and fell heavily in defense of their opponents. Musa and Okah were a particularly constant threat to the army Amazons, as they had been throughout the season.
The reintroduction of Musa and Emmanuel added a bite to the Air Warriors’ attack, and there was no doubt who belonged to the night at the end of the quarter. Army veteran coach Patrick Paul asked for a timeout to tackle his dominated defense, but that did not make much difference.
At the end of the first quarter, Air Warriors led with 24-13 points. In the second quarter and having the right to boast to protect after securing first place, coach Sotuminu has rotated his team and let his key players rest. The decision reinstated the Warriors’ attack and allowed the Amazonas army to enter the game, but Air Warriors still captured the fourth quarter by 18-5 points.
Hannatu Maikasuwa did, however, score 11 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds for the army Amazons. A third-quarter submitted finished 18-9 in favor of Air Warriors. Once again, Sotuminu left his key players in the initial phase of the last quarter, but Precious John and Hope Olisenedozie were still available to do damage to the Army Amazons. When Sotuminu reintroduced his murderous trio later, it was to end the match and that’s how he finished 77-41.
Okah was the best player with 19 points, two assists and six rebounds, while Musa contributed with 15 points, five assists, and 15 rebounds. Emmanuel finished the day with 16 points, seven assists, and nine rebounds. Sotuminu, enthusiastic but humble, told reporters after the match that his team would bring the winning momentum to the National Eight.
“We will only rest a few days and resume our training. We know that the Eight Nationals will not be a walk in the park because the Atlantic Conference teams are tough. “But we are motivated. We will continue from here and keep our winning mentality, “he said.
NAN has reported that the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) technical committee will now have to ratify the final tables of the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences before making them public. However, it was clear that the Air Warriors were leading the Savannah conference as they were the only undefeated team at the conference. Nigerian Customs, Plateau Rocks and Black Gold Queens will follow Air Warriors to the National Eight Conference.
Recalled that the Air Warriors Babes comfortably dismissed rivals Nigeria City 73-55 Saturday in Abuja to keep their perfect record in the current Women’s Basketball League, Zenith Bank 2019.
The match between Air Warriors and Customs was named the main game of the Savannah Conference, with the two teams based in Abuja sharing the title of favorites to lead the conference.
According to NAN, the match was quick to come to life in the indoor gym at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. In the first quarter, Air Warriors amassed first blood with Chinwe Okah in the defense of the customs to record the first point of the match.
Murjanatu Musa then showed some exciting basketball skills to add points to the Warriors with a pair of offensive rebounds. However, Customs was not considered a favorite at the Savannah Conference for nothing, since Josette Anaswen led her resistance with her pace and power.
An exciting first quarter ended in 18-14 points for Air Warriors. Musa continued where he had stopped for Air Warriors in the second quarter. This time, he had a murderous association in Omaga Olivia that terrorized the defense of customs.
But Anaswen, implacable, always seemed dangerous on the territory of the Warriors, but he was sometimes disappointed by the slowness of the game of his teammates. At the end of the quarter, Air Warriors added 14 points against nine to Customs to maintain a 32-23 point lead at halftime.
Customs coach Abdulrahman Mohammed changed his tactical approach to the match in the third quarter, allowing Abimbola Olumodeji to enjoy greater freedom and Anaswen to better support the attack.
Customs knew it had to connect the Furious Warriors. Musa, however, joined Hope Olisenedozie for fantastic baskets. Olisenedozie was particularly impressive in the hall, scoring twice three quick shots. Some onlooking bettors register today here.
The quarter was delayed a few minutes because of the apprehension of Mohammed for an alleged fault on one of his players. However, the fourth ended with Warriors retaining their lead of 55-36 points.
The fourth quarter saw the return of Nigerian Customs and Theresa Dangousu. However, Air Warriors were up to the task and never gave up, as there was still time to make another counterattack before the final ring.
He finished 73-55 in favor of Air Warriors in form, which will then be presented against Taraba Hurricanes on Monday. Coach Samson Sotuminu told the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) that after the match team spirit and instructions were the secret of his team’s success.
“As soon as we beat the customs in the second phase of the league, we knew we had overcome our fear. “My players are like sisters and take care of each other. The union in the middle of them is so unreal. They also always listen to instructions, “he said.
Musa showed another first level of performance for Warriors, scoring 19 points, two assists and 19 rebounds. And his coach has given him a special compliment.
“Murjanatu is a special player. Because of its quality, it should reach the highest level of basketball in the world. She is a fantastic player who only speaks in the field, “said Sotuminu.
Okah, however, was the best player in the game with 22 points and 12 rebounds for Air Warriors, while Anaswen of the Customs followed him closely with 21 points, five assists, and 6 rebounds.
Customs will try to keep their dream of a national slot alive at night when they face the Black Gold Queens.
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