The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Ahmadu-Kida, has expressed the federation’s satisfaction with the performances of the Nigeria U-18 male and female teams at the Afrobasket U-18 Championship in South Africa, The PUNCH reports.
While the J’Tigers bowed out of the championship in the quarterfinals following their 81-70 loss to Mali on Thursday night, their female counterparts reached the final, where they lost 76-56 to Mali on Saturday.
Reacting to the team’s performance in South Africa, Kida heaped praise on the girls for their bravery, gallantry, and determination to reach the final and also commended the male team for putting up a sterling performance, despite facing challenges with the South African High Commission over the issuance of visas, which led to their late arrival at the tournament, which dampened the morale of the boys.
“We are indeed delighted and satisfied with your performances in the tournament and will build on these successes in the coming years. You gave your very best in all your matches. And we are very proud of you all, as we are sure that you all are destined for greatness in your careers,” Kida stated.
“I want to also say a big thank you and well done to coach Juliana Negedu and the assistants, including the members of the delegation, for the good work you did for our dear nation out there in South Africa, despite the difficult circumstances,” he added.
Mali’s Oummou Koumare, who was voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, put up a massive 31 points, four rebounds, and five steals against Nigeria.
Nigerian guard and MFM Queens Basketball team player Idubamo Beggi earned a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Team. The 18-year-old scored 109 points across six games and was instrumental in the team’s run to the final.
Despite the defeat to Mali in the final, the junior D’Tigress qualified for the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup next year in the Czech Republic.
While commending the sports ministry for its unending support to the federation, Kida emphasised the need for early and adequate preparations for the girls ahead of the FIBA U-18 World Cup in the Czech Republic.