Controversy Erupts as Gboko City Chiefs Coach Blames Referees, Venue for Semi-Final Loss to Rivers Hoopers"
Controversy Erupts as Gboko City Chiefs Coach Blames Referees, Venue for Semi-Final Loss to Rivers Hoopers"
By Chukwu Ziteihe Ikeokwu
25th November 2024
Head Coach of Gboko City Chiefs, Alexander Owoicho, has voiced concerns over refereeing decisions following his team's 79-73 loss to Rivers Hoopers in a tense semi-final clash at this year’s NPBL Final 8.
Owoicho claimed that questionable calls from the referees played a significant role in his team's defeat, leading to a 30-minute pause in the game as Gboko City Chiefs protested.
This latest loss marks the Chiefs' fourth consecutive defeat to Rivers Hoopers, including their meeting at last year's Final Four in Port Harcourt and two matchups in the Chief of Defence Staff Basketball Championship last month in Abuja.
The coach also criticized the Rivers State venue, labeling it a hostile environment, and expressed hope that future NPBL Final 8 tournaments would be held elsewhere as he granted an interview with NRL correspondent Ziteihe.
With this loss, Gboko City Chiefs narrowly missed a spot in the championship final, while Rivers Hoopers advanced to the next stage of the competition.
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