May 13, (THEWILL) – Nigeria has announced her withdrawal from all international basketball tournaments for a two-year timeframe, following a declaration of the Federal Government Thursday.
Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, made this known to journalists in a briefing in Abuja, revealing that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved Nigeria’s withdrawal from all basketball tournaments.
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.
Pointing to internal wranglings in the administration of the sport in the country as the basis for the decision, he said: “Following the unending crisis which have plagued and nearly crippled the development of basketball in Nigeria, President Buhari has approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for a period of two years.
“This is with immediate effect. This will also allow for the setting up of an Interim Management Committee (IMC), to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in Nigeria.”
Dare also reaffirmed the government’s interest in and commitment to the growth of basketball in Nigeria, as well as the enormous abilities of our children domestically, in an atmosphere free of squabbles and rancour.
He urged players, officials, fans and all stakeholders in the sport to be calm while the government undertakes far-reaching steps to reposition, sustain and stabilise basketball for long-term growth and success in the country’s best interests.
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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.
