NBBF targets qualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympics 3×3 events

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida is excited at the prospect of Nigeria participating in the FIBA 3×3 event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Speaking on the backdrop of the gold and silver medal winning feat of the senior national men and women teams, which participated in the inaugural FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup, Kida said the country has potentials as displayed by the teams, which will be a force to beat at the 2020 Olympics if the right the things are put in place. The teams arrived from Lome, Togo on Monday.

“Participation at the 2020 Olympics will be based on points garnered from now till 2020. Going forward, we will ensure that we participate in every 3×3 competitions at the international scene to have enough points before the games,” Kida said.

The NBBF President described the players as gallant and patriotic citizens, who have shown the world that Nigerian athletes can indeed rule the world if adequate support is given to the teams.

“These players have once again brought smiles to our faces and we are grateful to them,” he said, adding that the secret to the new found status of Nigerian basketball on the continent can be traced to invitation of players purely on merit and the improved welfare package already put in place.

“Upon our inauguration on July 21, we made a solemn promise to participate in as many international competitions as possible and expose our players through these competitions. In fulfillment of these promises, we have so far participated in six international competitions organized at the continental level and we will continue to participate in more in the nearest future.

“It is on record that the recent FIBA 3×3 trophy is the second major title won under the new NBBF board after the D’Tigress conquered Africa to emerge the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket winners in Mali.

“The board has so far led the nation out to six international tournaments and returned with two trophies and four silver medals in just four months in office.”