With less than a month to FIBA Afrobasket Championship billed to hold in Rwanda from July 28 to August 6, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) may have begun the search for a new coach, who will lead the women’s national team, D’Tigress, to the competition. The Guardian gathered that uncertainty still surrounds, the position of Coach Otis Hughley.
According to an NBBF official, the federation could not vouch for Hughley’s commitment to the team owing to challenging issues he has with the sports ministry.
Although some principal officers of the federation that The Guardian confronted were not forthcoming on plans for the championship, a board member of the federation, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation is under control.
He said the federation was working hard to put everything in place before the team begins final camping for the competition.
Another board member, Col. Sam Ahmedu, who is also president of FIBA Zone Three, however, said he was yet to get information on the D’Tigress’ coaching situation.
“If it comes down to getting a new coach, I am sure the NBBF will get a reputable coach, domestic or foreign for the team. The team will have the best preparations for the African Championship. We will have a board meeting soon to clear all the issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 23rd Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship finals will dunk off on July 1 and end July 7at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.
At the draws held yesterday at Nestle’s headquarters in Lagos, Topfield College, Ajegunle, Lagos, was drawn against Father Connel Science College, Niger State in boys’ Group A opening game. Topfield College’s girls’ team will face Government Science Secondary School, Abuja, in Group A of the girls’ category.
Twelve schools, six boys and six girls, will battle for the top prize in the championship.
The other boys’ schools in the championship are Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta State; Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Bayelsa State; Government Secondary School, Abuja and General Murtala Mohammed College, Adamawa.
In the girls’ category are Kings International College, Moniya, Oyo State; St Jude’s Girls College, Bayelsa State; Don Domingos College, Warri and Government Science School, Taraba State.
According to Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc., Wassim EL-Husseini, this year’s competition promises a lot of entertainment for basketball stakeholders and fans.
He said: “Our greatest motivation is the success stories of players that featured in the championship in the past, who are playing for the national teams and big teams across the world.
“We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion since the inception of the championship.
“Part of activities lined up this year is an exhibition game for physically disadvantaged children. Our desire is to keep promoting sports development in Nigeria,” he said.
