By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s senior male basketball team, D’Tigers would not participate in the FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers that begins Friday, in Tunisia.
According to a release by Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), it cited lack of funds to prepare the team for the tournament, due to the inability of the ministry of sports to provide the needed funds for the qualifier.
In recent times, the female and male national basketball teams have not had the best in preparations for major continental and global championships, due to the perennial lack of funds.
Nigerian Basketball and Other Sports Dilemma
While the Nigeria’s women team have been blossoming in performance at the continent with unparalleled Afrobasket dominance despite the fund challenges, their men counterpart have nosedive.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Nigerian Senator Who Made Budget Padding Claims Suspended For Three Months
As reigning champions, the women side known as the D’tigress have gone ahead to qualify for the upcoming Olympic games scheduled for Paris, France, between July and August, 2024.
However, the men team couldn’t secure Paris Olympics ticket with a below par performance.
The last time the D’tigers participated in the Olympics was in 2020 at Tokyo, Japan.
Their Afrobasket performance has also capitulated in recent times.
The paucity of funds for Nigerian basketball and indeed sporting activities has been herculean, while Football teams, most especially the men senior national team, Super Eagles, enjoy swell time of recognition amidst improved funding.
