AKOFA Basketball League wraps up with double trophies for Topfield School

Pius Ayinor

The grand finale of the AKOFA Ivy Basketball League for private schools in the Lagos zone took place last weekend of Saturday, March 28, at the basketball court of Avi Cenna International School in Ikeja, Lagos. It was wrap up of the 2026 season that had the tip-off in January.

The AKOFA Ivy League, which is the longest-running private basketball league in Nigeria, has been in operation for the past 26 years. This year’s competition began with 32 schools, and the weekday league system has transformed over the years to a weekend-only schedule.

In the girls’ final, perennial champions, Topfield Schools. Ajegunle defeated the host team, Avi Cenna, 33-13. The boys’ event showcased more grit and battles and saw Topfield College overcoming Dansol School 35-32 in an exciting game.

Ebunoluwa Onasanya of Topfield School was named the ladies’ MVP, while Folorunsho Jonathan, also from Topfield, was, without a whim of a doubt, crowned the male MVP. He was outstanding in every role he played during the league.

The founder of this initiative and the CEO of AKOFA, John Abimbola Faniran (simply known as Fani), re-emphasized the fact that the league is not run for profit but “aims to at promoting the gospel of basketball at the secondary school level.

He adds, “Maintaining the league has been challenging due to inconsistent financial support from corporate sponsors, but the vision makes the effort worthwhile.”

The Principal of Topfield School, Agbolabo Onasanya, is excited about the school’s dominance in the AKOFA League. The Topfield ladies have been particularly dominant, having won the last seven editions (including 2019, 2020, and 2022–2026). There was a break in this streak due to COVID-19. In the Male category, there is a recurring rivalry between Dansol and Topfield, who have faced each other in the finals for three consecutive years.

Topfield School’s basketball programme is quite impressive, with a trophy collection to match. The league has seen many talents emerge from various schools within the state. The Programme Manager of the AKOFA Foundation, Ajowele Abayomi, is pleased that the league’s strict rules ensure integrity and prevent cheating, as high standards are set to uphold the league’s ethics.

When the schools resume in September for the first term, the preparations for the 2027 season will also begin accordingly.

Photo: Topfield School. CREDIT: Philip Braide