|
Listen now
|
The Nigerian women’s basketball team and current African champions, D’Tigress, have criticized the decision of the Nigerian Government to ban basketball teams from participation in international competitions.
Adaora Elonu, D’Tigress captain spoke out concerning a fake viral video which indicated D’Tigress backing the ban.
Elonu hinted that D’Tigress who have not lost a match to any African team since 2017 have been pleading with the government to rethink and lift the ban.
“D’Tigress have been open in making it clear that we do not support the ban.
“We want the opportunity to play in any way possible. Our team statement released earlier still holds. We love competing for Nigeria and want the chance to continue to do so. In no way are we supporting the ban enforced on the international competitions. We continue to plea for the removal of the ban.”
Nigeria’s sports minister, Sunday Dare, in May announced a two-year ban on the Nigerian basketball teams. In a swift response, FIBA, the world basketball body kicked out D’Tigress who have booked qualifications to feature in this year’s FIBA World Cup in Australia, replacing Nigeria with Mali.
The Nigerian women are also already out of the 2024 Paris Olympics as a part of the fallout of Nigeria’s decision to ban the basketball teams.