By Obaseki Anthony on September 24, 2019

As members of the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) continue to feel on top of the world over the recent performances of both the men and women national basketball teams, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has advised them not to be carried away, maintaining that there is more work to be done.

The minister gave the advice when he played host to the NBBF executive members led by the President, Engr. Musa Kida. in Abuja on Monday.

While addressing them, the Minister tasked the federation to double their efforts in order to be able to achieve more successes on the international stage.

“Nigerians are now beginning to take note of the excellent performance of the various basketball teams and are eager for more,” he said.

The meeting, according to the ministry, is part of the ongoing drive by the Minister to get all federations on the same page ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Preparations for the Olympics and training plans for the male basketball team D’Tigers, who have secured a ticket, and the women’s team D’Tigress, with three more games in the qualifiers, were discussed at the meeting.

There were also discussions on NBBF’s financial situation with a view to exploring new funding options as well as a report submitted by NBBF in response to a request by the ministry.

The Minister expressed excitement over the qualification of D’Tigers for the Olympics and pledged the ministry’s support towards NBBF’s preparations for the games.

In his response, the NBBF President thanked the Minister for his support throughout the World Cup in China while also expressing gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support.

“We are glad that the President watched the games on TV and took time out of his busy schedule to congratulate the men’s team after their qualification for the Olympics as well as the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket winning feat of the D’Tigress in Senegal,” he said.

Kida reminded the Minister about the women’s qualifiers for the Olympics starting in November.

He said the various leagues were on course while announcing the commencement of the Men’s Premier League in October which will enable Nigeria to present a team for the newly introduced FIBA Africa/NBA African championship.

Kida also presented the award from FIBA as the most improved women’s team at the FIBA World Congress in China.

In attendance were Mr. Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports; Mr. Babs Ogunade (NBBF VP); Col Sam Ahmedu (rtd.); Mr. Felix Awogu; and Alhaji Abba Kaka, alongside top Directors of the ministry.

•PHOTO: Sports Minister Sunday Dare

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 24, 2019

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