The J’Tigress victory over Uganda, Friday, in the semi-final of the ongoing FIBA Africa U18 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa, has sent the Nigeria basketball community agog with untold joy.
The Nigeria U18 female national team, J’Tigress wrought a painful revenge on Uganda, who had earlier defeated them in the group stage of the qualifiers, with a 71-67 win in the semi-finals to qualify, for its first ever World Cup appearance.
Reacting to the historic feat of the team, Board member and Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ugo Udezue, said he is excited over the achievement of the girls, so far, in the tournament.
“I am very excited for the girls. And what they have accomplished. This is the first time for the J’Tigress, and I know they will shock the world in Switzerland,” Udezue remarked gleefully.
Looking ahead to the world cup championship, he noted the importance of early and adequate preparations, for the team to make Nigeria and Africa proud at the world U19 championship.
“Hopefully, we look towards support from the Sports Ministry, so we can commence preparations in earnest. Whatever the challenges, we cannot give up, he said.
Udezue assured lovers of the game that NBBF, would not relent on its efforts to continually develop the game in Nigeria, as well as, improve and grow the talent pool for the betterment of the game in Nigeria.
