May 21, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, has issued a statement in reaction to the declaration of the Federal Government that withdrew all Nigerian Basketball teams from every international competition.
THEWILL recalls that the government announced a blanket ban on Thursday, May 12, that effectively excludes the country from all international basketball tournaments for a two-year timeframe.
Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, made this known to journalists in a briefing in Abuja, revealing that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the move.
Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, represented the minister, and he stated that a committee would be formed to monitor basketball leagues across the country.
In their reaction, D’Tigress wrote: “The D’Tigress team would like to state that we do not agree with this ban. This ban is taking away all our future competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud!
“We would like to be given the opportunity to play for our country that we passionately love to represent in this upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup competition. We have worked very hard to be 3x Afrobasket Champions, Olympians and now we are blessed with another opportunity to continue that representation for Nigeria.”
They finished by adding: “Our goal is to play and represent Nigeria proudly! We, as the Nigerian Women’s National Team plea for the reversal of the International Basketball ban for Nigeria. We hope to be heard! Thank you.”
