February 10, (THEWILL) – Igoche Mark, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has challenged the D’Tigress, the country’s senior women’s basketball team, to perform better in their next game against France after their opening game defeat to China at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Belgrade, Serbia.
Despite their loss, Mark praised them in a statement on Thursday for their valiant performance in their match against the Peoples Republic of China. The African champions were defeated 76-90 by the Asian side, who are currently ranked 7th in the globe.
He also praised the ladies for their bravery and perseverance during the tense game, and urged them to take positives from the loss, which he characterised as a stepping stone to a better performance in their next game on Friday against European giants France.
The statement read in part: “I must commend you for showing courage; and giving the game against China their all… The result notwithstanding, let’s see it as a stepping stone towards a better outing in your next game. All I can tell you is that if you are never on the losing side, you are never truly tested, and may never be forced to grow. Pick up yourselves, go conquer France!”
There are 16 countries competing in the qualifiers in Serbia for spots in the FIBA World Cup, which will take place in Australia from September 22 to October 1, 2022.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
