‘NBBF Is Architect Of Nigeria’s Woes’

Muhammed Bukar of Dodan Warriors has declared that the recent low points in the game of basketball in the country should be blamed on the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF.

The Dodan Warriors’ combo guard stated that the governing body is not doing the right thing that will take the game to the next level, rather it’s inhibiting the growth of the sport.

“If we really want to improve the game in the country, the people in authorities must change the manner at which they are handling things.

“There have been calls for concentrated effort that will bring development to the sport at the grassroots level and also at the national stage. But with what is going on at the federation, I don’t see how these would be realised,”Bukar said.

Bukar, a member of Dodan Warriors team that finished third at the 2006 FIBA Africa Champions Club,said the home-based players deserve to be given more opportunities to represent the country at major tourneys, adding that the perennial call up of players for camping and abandoning most of them for foreign based players at the last minutes is not good for the sport.

“NBBF’s idea of relying on foreign-based players for major tourneys at the detriment of the local players will not do the league any good. The body needs to motivate the homebased players by giving us equal opportunity to fight for places in the team. We are not asking for preferential treatment but a level play ground to represent the country,” he said

“Without any doubt, the so-called professionals are not better than us. The only advantage they have is that they are exposed to world class facilities and play under renowned coaches at their clubs abroad.”

The Northern Nigeria-born player revealed that most players in the country are eager to play abroad. He said he would go to Sudan for his professional career if situation does not change for better in the country.

“I am considering trying out my luck in Sudan if that is what it takes for me to play for my country at major championship. How long will I continue to be called for national camping and not make the senior team? ” Bukar asked.