By Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress have rejected the recent two-year international ban placed on basketball by the Federal Government.
It would be recalled that the Ministry of Youth and Sports led by Sunday Dare had announced the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for a period of two years due to the ongoing leadership crisis in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Following the development, D’Tigress will miss this year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia billed to hold from September 22 and October 1.
However, the three-time Afrobasket Champions have expressed their displeasure with the ban, insisting that they would partake in the international tournament.
In a series of tweets shared on their verified Twitter page on Friday morning, D’Tigress noted that the ban is taking away tbeir uture competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud.
FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: 🏀D’TIGRESS DISAGREE WITH 2 YEAR BAN
To whom this may concern,
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. pic.twitter.com/9Vzw1Efnez— #DTigress (@DtigressNG) May 20, 2022
“We would like to be given the opportunity to play for our country that we passionately love to represent in this upcoming @FIBAWWC competition,” the statement read in part.
“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.”
The women’s national team further stated that they believe that all levels of Nigerian basketball can excel with the proper attention, togetherness, and organization, saying their 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.”
D’Tigress added, “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.”
