By Joe Apu
Nigerian basketball player Bolaji Abdulahi Emilagba and veteran coach Adewunmi Aderemi stole the spotlight as Élan Coton Basketball Club successfully defended their league title in the men’s final of the 2025 YouZou League Pro in Benin Republic, PeakNews Online reports.
The Elite 6 Final Phase, held at the IRSP arena in Ouidah from August 12 to 17, wrapped up on Sunday with dramatic men’s and women’s championship games. A full crowd, including basketball dignitaries such as French-Beninese star Isabelle Yacoubou and Dr. Ismahini Onifade, President of the Benin Basketball Federation, packed the venue to witness the finals.
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Élan Coton BBC took a strong revenge over rivals ASPAC, who had edged them 75-69 in the group phase. This time, it was all Élan Coton from the tip-off. Emilagba, who was later named the Final MVP, delivered a stunning performance with 19 points and 2 rebounds in 33 minutes, including a barrage of three-pointers that dismantled ASPAC’s defense.
By the end of the first quarter, Élan Coton led 17-11 and extended the margin to 44-28 by halftime. ASPAC attempted a fightback in the second half but fell short, as Élan Coton closed the game with an 80-67 victory to seal their fifth national league title.
In the women’s final, defending champions Énergie BBC proved unstoppable against ASPAC.
The Electriciennes opened with a dominant 21-10 first quarter and extended their lead to 32-15 by halftime. ASPAC struggled offensively, enduring nearly 10 minutes without a basket.
Though ASPAC briefly rallied in the third quarter, the champions never lost control. Led by Arouna Nassarath, who was named Final MVP with 13 points and 17 rebounds in 28 minutes, Énergie BBC cruised to a 67-48 victory to retain their crown.
Élan Coton’s victory solidifies their dominance in Beninese basketball, with Emilagba’s heroics and Coach Aderemi’s leadership proving decisive. With the league’s popularity rising and regional talent on full display, the 2025 edition of the YouZou League
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