The Nigeria women’s national basketball team also called D’Tigress have disagreed with the federal government on the recent ban on the nation’s basketball teams from partaking in any international competitions in the next two years The Trumpet gathered.
D’Tigress, who lamented over the government’s last resort to checkmate the imbroglio engulfing the basketball federation, protested through a letter that they wish to feature in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia.
According to them, they have worked very hard to be crowned three times African champions, and Olympians and would not want to see the opportunity to represent the country in Australia slip away.
Despite the federal government’s resolve being hinged on the leadership crisis rocking the basketball federation that has seen two parallel executives emerge from parallel congresses conducted in Abuja and Benin, they added that their performance in the international scene and records created is a testament to the successes recorded by the team which has made them role models to other Nigerian athletes.
In a press statement tagged: “D’TIGRESS DISAGREE WITH 2 YEAR BAN”, they said, “We, as the Women’s National Team of Nigeria, would like to speak on the government’s recently placed two-year ban on all Nigerian Basketball International competitions.
“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 Basketball World Cup competition.
“We have worked very hard to be three times Afrobasket Champions, Olympians and now we are blessed with another opportunity to continue that representation for Nigeria.
“We want Nigerian Basketball to continue to grow and succeed on every level; from the local leagues, grassroots and even on the international stage!
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“We believe that all levels of Nigerian basketball can excel with the proper attention, togetherness, and organization. Our team is a testament to how successful Nigerian Basketball can be and how we have been an inspiration to all Nigerian athletes across the globe.
“We wish to express our gratitude to all the coaches, medical staff, organizers, and fans. This ban not only penalizes us but you all as well. Your commitment and loyalty to our team will never go unnoticed.
“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,” they concluded.
The leadership crisis resulted in producing two federation presidents, Musa Ahmadu-Kida, who heads one faction and Mark Igoche leading the other faction.
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