NBBF celebrates D’Tigress’ passage to Tokyo 2020 qualification tournament

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is in festive mood following Nigerian women national team’s passage to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification tournament at the weekend.

Nigeria defeated Mali in the semifinals of the FIBA Africa Pre-Olympic qualifying game on Sunday to book the ticket to the last round of the qualifying series, which will see 14 teams battling for the final 10 slots.Speaking on the feat, NBBF President, Musa Kida said the feat was the right result for the hard work of the federation, players and coaches.

With the men already qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo, Japan, the NBBF boss said no stone would be left unturned to see that Nigeria’s chances of a podium finish is brightened with the presence of D’Tigress.He commended the players for their dedication in the face of stiff opposition in Maputo, which he described as grueling.

“You also know that it was very grueling for them after all these qualifiers that never used to happen before. Again, Nigeria has made proof of basketball in the world. I have no doubt about it and as such, 2020 for us is going to be a good year to show that Nigeria’s basketball has come of age.”

Nigeria and Mozambique will join 14 other countries from Americas, Asia-Oceania and Europe to fight for the 10 available slots to the Olympics.As already announced by Federation of International Basketball Associations, Belgium, China, France and Serbia have been picked to host the OQT between February 6 and 9, 2020.The official draw ceremony will take place on November 30 at the FIBA headquarters.