Kida Rallies Nigerians Behind D’Tigers Ahead Of Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has called on Nigerians to unite behind D’Tigers as the senior men’s national team prepares to begin its campaign in the FIBA Africa Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.

Nigeria have been drawn in a challenging Group E alongside Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia and Guinea, with only the strongest teams progressing towards the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.

D’Tigers will open their qualifying campaign against regional rivals Cameroon on 27 August before taking on South Sudan a day later. They will round off the first qualifying window against Cabo Verde on 30 August.

Kida urged basketball enthusiasts, corporate organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians to throw their full support behind the team, insisting that the players and technical crew would draw inspiration from the backing of the nation.

“We need every Nigerian to stand behind D’Tigers as they embark on another important journey. The support of our fans will serve as extra motivation for the players as they compete against some of Africa’s finest basketball teams,” Kida said.

Nigeria head into the qualifiers with encouraging records against some of their opponents. D’Tigers have won three of their previous four meetings with Cameroon and boast a perfect record against South Sudan, having won both previous encounters.

However, Cabo Verde remain a difficult opponent, with Nigeria managing just one victory in six previous meetings.

Despite the competitive nature of the group, Kida expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure qualification, urging Nigerians to remain united throughout the campaign.

With valuable qualification points on offer, D’Tigers will be looking to make a flying start and strengthen their bid to return to basketball’s biggest global stage.