Akwa Ibom State's basketball team delivered an impressive performance in their debut appearance at the Rainforest Basketball League at Umuahia township stadium in Abia State, finishing the first phase of the competition at the top of the league table.
The Rainforest Basketball League which ran from 12th to 18th July 2026 was organised and sponsored by the Chairman of the Imo State Basketball Association, Mr. Kelechi Anosike, which stated last year is aimed at promoting basketball across Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions. This year's edition features teams from Akwa Ibom, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Cross River, Enugu, Edo and Ebonyi states.
Team Akwa Ibom began their campaign in style with a hard-fought 72-67 victory over hosts Abia State on the opening day, inspired by a sensational 34-point performance from captain Christopher Asuquo.
On Matchday Two, the team, led by assistant coach Ndifreke Ekong, surrendered a 15-point advantage to suffer a 76-70 defeat to Rivers State. However, they responded strongly on Matchday Three with a 68-63 victory over Edo State before rounding off the first phase with a dominant 48-26 win over Enugu State.
Their three wins and one defeat ensured that Team Akwa Ibom finished the opening round of the league at the summit of the standings with seven points from four matches. The team scored a total of 258 points and conceded 187, underlining their impressive all-round performance.
The squad, which has since returned to the state, comprised captain Christopher Asuquo, Jordan Watt, Nsikan Sunday, Emmanuel Asuquo, Williams Abasiama, Ekemini Edet, Edikan Akpan, Aniekeme Sunday, Williams Martin and Troty Benson.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Basketball Association, Pharmacist Godswill Eseigbe, congratulated the players and coaching crew on their outstanding performance. He urged the team to remain focused and continue working hard as they prepare for the second phase of the league, scheduled to resume in September, expressing confidence that they can emerge champions in their maiden campaign.
Pharmacist Eseigbe also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, for his unwavering support and encouragement to both the team and the association.
He reaffirmed the association's commitment to bringing more glory and honours to Akwa Ibom State through the development and promotion of basketball.
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