Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-23 03:22:37
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) made headlines on Wednesday for announcing the withdrawal of the men’s national team from participating in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, which are set to begin in Tunisia. The federation cited the inability to secure necessary funding from the Federal Government as the reason for the withdrawal. However, in a turn of events, the NBBF has now stated that it is making last-minute attempts for the team to feature in the competition.
Nigeria is drawn in Group B of the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers alongside Cape Verde, Libya, and Uganda. The team’s initial withdrawal came as a disappointment, especially after successfully convincing members of the 2020 Olympics squad to participate in the championship.
The NBBF expressed its gratitude to the players and officials who had committed to participate in the qualifiers, acknowledging their patriotism and dedication to the national team. However, in a recent statement, the federation revealed that it is now working to put together a roster and gather funds to ensure the team’s participation in the qualifiers.
According to a top official, the Ministry of Sports has promised to release the necessary funds within three weeks and has urged the NBBF to source funds for the qualifiers. The official also mentioned that the ministry’s delay in committing to the project had affected the team’s training. However, with the resolution of funding issues, the players are set to arrive in Tunisia for their first game of the qualifiers.
Diana Mary Nsan, a Special Assistant to Sports Minister John Enoh, confirmed that the players are preparing to leave for Monastir, thanks to the minister’s intervention. NBBF President, Musa Kida, took the opportunity to praise the minister for his support, stating that it would help the team take part in the qualifiers for the 2025 AfroBasket Championship. Kida also expressed gratitude for preventing a potential FIBA ban and disgrace for the country.
If the team makes it to Tunisia on time, they will play their opening game against Libya today, followed by a match against Uganda tomorrow and a final game against Cape Verde on Sunday.
The NBBF’s initial withdrawal and subsequent efforts to participate in the qualifiers highlight the challenges faced by sports federations in obtaining necessary funding for their national teams. Despite initial setbacks, the NBBF’s determination and the ministry’s intervention demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the team’s participation in the prestigious AfroBasket qualifiers. As the team prepares to take on their opponents, they carry the hopes and expectations of Nigerian basketball fans.
