The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has traced the qualification of the D’Tigress to the immense support of the President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare and millions of Nigerian basketball lovers all over the world.
Following the senior women national team’s return to the Olympics after 16 years, the board said without the open support of the Federal Government, prosecuting the qualifiers would have been difficult.
NBBF President, Musa Kida said the federation had never produce two teams (men and women) for the same Olympics in the history of basketball in Nigeria, which, he added, made Saturday’s feat even sweeter.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly role and support all through this journey to book an Olympic Games ticket. The minister also played a major role through his timely interventions, encouragement and the keen interest he developed towards basketball in Nigeria since assuming office.”
![[FILES] The D’Tigress celebrating their qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DTigers-1062x598-2.jpg "Poor D’Tigress bow out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics 4")
Kida also praised the fans for staying solidly behind D’Tigers and D’Tigress all through the qualifiers. The NBBF President also thanked them for the unflinching support of the Federation since he was sworn-in in 2017.
“This long journey was made easier by the fans who showed resilience and were relentless in their support for the two national teams. I am overwhelmed by the number of calls and text messages I have received since the teams qualified.”Kida revealed that Mr. Sunday Dare communicated with the team on Saturday via telephone through the NBBF President immediately after their 2020 Olympic Games’ ticket was confirmed. He promised that adequate arrangements would be put in place to prepare the team for the 2020 Olympics as they continue their journey in making history.
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