Aquavie, American Cola, Tealktor back successful Folmus wheelchair basketball tournament

A.D. Bakre Wheelchair Basketball Club emerged champions of the Folmus Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, but the competition was equally a celebration of growing corporate support for disability sports, with major backing from Aquavie Premium Bottled Water, American Cola and Tealktor Energy Drink.

The two-day tournament, held at the National Institute for Sports section of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, ended in thrilling fashion as A.D. Bakre defeated hosts Folmus Adaptive Sports Club 34-28 in a hard-fought final.

Despite heavy rainfall throughout parts of the event, athletes, officials, sponsors and supporters remained undeterred, creating a vibrant atmosphere that underscored the resilience of Nigeria's adaptive sports community.

The sponsors played a prominent role in ensuring the success of the tournament, providing support that helped deliver a memorable event for athletes and fans alike.

Speaking after the competition, National Sales Head of Horizon Wellness Nigeria Limited, makers of Aquavie Premium Bottled Water, Uche Ike, said the company's involvement was driven by its commitment to youth and sports development.

"Our tradition as a business is basically to support good causes that have to do with youths and sports development," Ike said.

He praised the determination displayed by the athletes and organisers despite the challenging weather conditions.

"What we have seen today is a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit. Against all odds, Nigerians will always find a way," he added.

On the court, the final produced an entertaining contest between two of the country's leading wheelchair basketball teams.

Folmus Adaptive Sports Club, buoyed by home support, matched their opponents for long spells, but A.D. Bakre showed greater composure in key moments to secure a six-point victory and lift the championship trophy.

The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances.

Durowoju Taiwo was named the Men's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an impressive campaign, while Elizabeth Teni Ibitoye claimed the Women's MVP award for her consistent performances throughout the competition.

Segun Ayodele Bailey was honoured as the tournament's Best Point Guard.

Organisers described the event as another significant step in promoting wheelchair basketball and expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities across Nigeria.

Beyond the medals and trophies, the competition provided a platform for players from different clubs to network, share experiences and strengthen bonds within the adaptive sports community.

The strong presence of sponsors, particularly Aquavie Premium Bottled Water, American Cola and Tealktor Energy Drink, was widely praised by participants, who noted that greater corporate involvement remains crucial to the growth and sustainability of disability sports in the country.

Organisers expressed optimism that the success of this year's edition would attract even more corporate partners in the future and help establish the Folmus Invitational as one of Nigeria's premier wheelchair basketball events.

With competitive action, individual brilliance and meaningful corporate support, the tournament once again demonstrated the growing appeal of wheelchair basketball while highlighting the power of sport as a tool for inclusion, empowerment and social impact.