27 May 2008

NIGERIA : Niger Potters, Union Bank abandon game peacefully

The first Road Trip game of the Union Bank played in Minna, Niger State ended just two minutes into the fourth quarter but the accounts of the teams involved suggest the match was abandoned on peaceful terms. The ended was halted after one of Union Bank point guards Daniel Daudu passed out on the court following a serious collision with a Niger Potters player in a lay up move – a situation that took the combined effort of both teams’ medical staff to revive the player. Side court account said he ran into an elbow with his chest at while at full throttle.

“But the situation got under control and the player is okay at the hospital. He responded well following the combined effort on the court and as at this time he has improved greatly at the hospital,” the Potters coach Adamu Kuta told FIBA.COM after the match played Monday night.

On account halting the game before the buzzer, the team Manager of Union Bank Rotimi Savage said the situation on ground made it very difficult for his players to continue the game.

“It a tough and emotional situation and forced us to stop playing. Nobody was sure how well things could be until much after the two teams doctors combined to give the player first aid that really saved the situation. My players were not in a state of mind to continue the match. There was no disagreement or hostility but we just could not continue,” he said.

The Potters coach the final decision was left for the Match Commissioner whom the Union Bank official spoke with before the match was called off. “After the treatment, the Union Bank players did not return to the court as we expected. But I know Savage (team manager) spoke with the Match Commissioner and then the game was called off. So I guess it all now depends on the report of the Match Commissioner,” Adamu said.

The Potters who were playing on home court were leading at 78-61 before the match was abandoned. The match was the first for the road games for the Bankers who are playing through the Savannah Conference. They will play Tapgun Rockets in Jos today. BY Pius Ayinor, FIBA

Pius AYINOR

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