Again, D’Tigress begs government to reconsider withdrawal from international competitions

D’Tigress

The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have reiterated their opposition to the self-imposed international ban embarked upon by the Federal Government.

D’Tigress captain, Adaora Elonu, who spoke on behalf of the team, yesterday, said it had become necessary to speak up again after the players noticed a video in circulation, which had been manipulated and put out of context “just to create the sad impression that the players were now in support of the ban.”

She said rather than support the ban, they have been making pleas and efforts daily to make the government reconsider that decision and lift the ban.

Elonu, who called from her base in Europe, said: “D’Tigress have been open in making it clear that we do not support the ban in anyway.

“We want the opportunity to play in any way possible. Our team statement released earlier still holds. We love competing for Nigeria and want the chance to continue to do so. In no way are we supporting the ban enforced on the international competitions. We continue to plea for the removal of the ban.”

Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, last month announced a self-imposed two-year ban on international events. The world basketball body, responded to the surprise move from Nigeria by calling in Mali to replace D’Tigress, who were already billed to feature in the September FIBA World Cup in Australia.

Many concerned Nigerians had raised their voice against the government’s decision before FIBA ejected D’Tigress, but the outcries were ignored.

The Nigerian women are also already out of the 2024 Paris Olympics as a part of the fallout of Nigeria’s decision to take a self ban.

D’Tigress are the current African champions and have not lost a match to any African team since 2017.

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