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NBBF allays fears over D’Tigers’ bid for glory at FIBA Afrobasket Championship

By Editor
13 September 2017   |   3:49 am
The Nigeria Basketball Federation has urged Nigerians not to push the panic button as the men’s senior national basketball team, the D’Tigers prepare for their quarterfinal clash against Cameroon at the ongoing 2017 Afrobasket Men championship.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has urged Nigerians not to push the panic button as the men’s senior national basketball team, the D’Tigers prepare for their quarterfinal clash against Cameroon at the ongoing 2017 Afrobasket Men championship.

‘Defending champions ready for Cameroon’

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has urged Nigerians not to push the panic button as the men’s senior national basketball team, the D’Tigers prepare for their quarterfinal clash against Cameroon at the ongoing 2017 Afrobasket Men championship.

Col. Samuel Ahmedu (rtd), the international representative on the NBBF board expressed understanding over reactions from Nigerians who were unhappy about Sunday’s result against Congo DR despite being in the driver’s seat for the better part of the game.

Reactions trailed the team’s last group game loss to Congo Democratic Republic who returned to the tournament after a 10-year absence.

Ahmedu explained that the team gave a good account of themselves giving the prevailing circumstances they found themselves.

“I understand why some people feel bad and we all do as no one likes to lose. If you understand sports, you will know that you win some and lose some.

“This team was in camp for two weeks only and did not have time for quality friendly games. The team is playing against quality opposition for the first time here.”

Ahmedu explained that the 2017 edition of the FIBA Afrobasket has shown that no country is a minnow with every participating team at the tournament to win.

“Angola lost to Morocco and almost lost to Uganda whom they beat after overtime. Nigeria beat Mali who beat Congo who beat us. That is sports. Many teams will give their feet to be where we are now.”

He drew positives from D’Tigers’ ability to come out top of their group despite their loss as he is confident that the Coach Alex Nwora tutored side will definitely improve on the lapses noticed against the Congolese while getting set for their match against Cameroun.

He also shed light on the massive changes to the 2015 Afrobasket winning team, which has seen the coach rebuilding a team for the 2017 edition co-hosted by Tunisia and Senegal.

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