Their plea followed the ban, which was announced by the
Minister of Sports and Youth Development Sunday Dare, last week. He pinned the decision on the need to revamp
the game amid a power tussle in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
But in a letter on Friday, the female team which recently
qualified for the FIBA Women’s World Cup
competition, faulted the move, insisting it would erase all they have worked
for.
“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,” the team said in a
Twitter tread
“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 African champions argued that the team “worked very hard
to be 3x 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!
“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.”
While thanking their coaches, medical staff, organisers, and
fans for their support, the D’Tigress said the ban also affects this set of
persons.
“Your commitment and loyalty to our team will never go
unnoticed,” the statement added.
FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: 🏀D’TIGRESS DISAGREE WITH 2 YEAR BAN
— #DTigress (@DtigressNG) May 20, 2022
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
“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.”
Before the two-year ban, the Nigerian girls were scheduled
to play at the FIBA Women’s World Cup later this year in Australia.
They were grouped alongside Australia, France, Japan,
Serbia, and Canada for the competition which runs from September 22 to October
1.
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