Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Oluyemi Ogunseyin
Published on 2024-02-22 09:21:18
The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) is currently in a race against time to secure funding for the men’s national basketball team D’Tigers to participate in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers. The team had previously announced its withdrawal from the qualifiers due to financial constraints, but the NBBF is now working to find a solution to the situation.
D’Tigers took to Twitter to inform their fans that they would not be participating in the AfroBasket qualifiers due to a lack of funds from the government, despite the commitment of several 2020 Olympians. The NBBF, led by President Musa Kida, also issued a statement explaining the inability to gather sufficient funds for the team to compete in the event. Kida mentioned the economic challenges faced by the country and appealed to basketball fans in Nigeria and beyond to understand the dire situation.
However, there was a glimmer of hope as D’Tigers later posted an update stating that the NBBF was actively seeking to finalize a roster and gather the necessary funds in time for the team to participate in the AfroBasket qualifiers. The FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers were scheduled to begin in Tunisia on February 23, with D’Tigers placed in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Libya, and Uganda.
Nigeria’s D’Tigers are currently ranked as Africa’s top men’s basketball nation by FIBA. Their rise to the top has been marked by several significant accomplishments. Following the 2016 Olympic Men’s Basketball Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nigeria rose to 16th in the FIBA World Rankings, making them the top climber in FIBA rankings from the year 2015. The team also holds the distinction of being the only African nation to defeat the United States at any level of basketball competition.
Nigeria’s significance in the basketball world is further highlighted by their status as the first African team to qualify for the Summer Olympics through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. This feat was accomplished in 2012 when Nigeria defeated powerhouse teams such as Lithuania and Greece. In 2015, Nigeria claimed its first African championship title in basketball, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with in the African basketball scene.
D’Tigers’ success extends beyond the African continent, as they also secured the gold medal at the 2011 edition of the All Africa Games held in Maputo, Mozambique. These achievements underscore the team’s potential and signal their ability to make a strong impression in international basketball competitions.
The NBBF’s efforts to secure funding for D’Tigers to participate in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers reflect the commitment and determination to uphold Nigeria’s position as a dominant force in African basketball. With its rich history of accomplishments and a roster of talented athletes, D’Tigers aims to continue making strides in the world of basketball, and the NBBF’s ongoing efforts to facilitate their participation in the AfroBasket qualifiers speak to the enduring spirit and resilience of the team and the federation.
