In what could be described as record-setting and trailblazing performances, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), alongside millions of Nigerian basketball fans and stakeholders worldwide, is basking in the remarkable achievements of the country’s representatives in various categories at the Paris Olympics and African Continentals in Abidjan.
Read Also: D’Tigress Break Barriers As First African Team To Reach Olympic Quarter-Finals
Leading the charge is the historic feat of the reigning Women Afrobasket champions, the D’Tigress, who have qualified for Africa’s first-ever quarter-finals stage at the Olympic Games.
This milestone was achieved after defeating Australia, the 3rd ranked team globally, and Canada, the 5th ranked team. Despite a setback with a loss to the host nation, France, Nigeria’s D’Tigress rose to the occasion, defeating Canada 79-70 against all odds. This victory positions Nigeria as the first African national team, male or female, to reach the quarter-finals at the Olympics.
In another positive development, the youth development program of the NBBF is reaping significant rewards. The National U-18 male and female teams recorded inspiring victories in the FIBA Zone 3 U-18 qualifying tournament for the African Cup in South Africa and the U19 World Cup next year. Both teams have secured their tickets to represent FIBA Zone 3 in South Africa.
Reacting to these developments, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, was full of praise for the senior and junior teams of Nigeria. He noted that these Olympic and continental feats are a testament to the unrelenting efforts of the NBBF to develop and grow the game in Nigeria, which consistently produces record-setting performances.
“These achievements underscore the collective effort and commitment of everyone involved in our basketball programs,” said Kida. “We are confident that D’Tigress will continue to shock the world and inspire our youth. The conveyor belts of talent in Nigeria are strong, and we will keep producing younger and better talents that will put Nigeria in a strong position both continentally and globally.”
Kida also expressed gratitude for the massive support from Nigerians, including the congratulatory messages from the Honourable Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Enoh, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “These messages will surely motivate D’Tigress to give their best in the quarter-finals on Wednesday,” he remarked.
As the nation watches with bated breath, the D’Tigress continue to embody the spirit of Nigerian excellence, paving the way for future generations in the sport.
, alongside millions){kind=link}