With adequate preparation, D’Tigress can upset better rated teams, says Kida

[FILES] D’Tigress of Nigeria. Photo; TWITTER/ Bballnaija

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Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President, Musa Kida, has predicted that the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, can shock the world at the 2022 Women World Cup, which holds from September 22 to October 1 in Sydney, Australia.

Nigeria is in Group B alongside France, Serbia, Japan, Canada and host, Australia.

According to Kida, D’Tigress have the quality to upset the more renowned teams if the team gets its strategies right and is adequately supported during its preparation for the event.

Kida said the FIBA Women World Cup would be another platform for the Nigerian girls, who are reigning African champions, to prove their worth to the world.

“In the last four years, we have continued to shock the world and other teams are now paying some serious attention to us. To continue on that path, we have to work extra hard to sustain the tempo,” Kida said.

He added that the NBBF would organise Grade A friendlies for the team ahead of the World Cup to keep the girls in top form.

“This is where the Federal Government comes in through funding. Early approval and release of funds is at the core of all our proposed plans. Preparing for such an important tournament costs money and we will be banking on the Federal Government.

“We are no longer referred to as just another team from Africa. We are now being addressed as Nigeria, based on what we have achieved in the last four years, which saw us winning three Afrobasket titles, back-to-back World Cup qualification and Olympics participation.

“Currently, the lowest-ranked team among the World cup Group opponents, D’Tigress are mindful of the task ahead as the sole