U-18 B/Ball Tourney: Umar Defends NBBF

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President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Tijani Umar has debunked rumours making their rounds that Nigeria withdrew from taking part in the upcoming under 18 women’s Afrobasket, to be held from 22-29 September, 2012 in Dakar, due to lack of funds.

It was reported in the media last week that the country’s U-18 women’s national team that finished second at the 2010 Afrobasket in Cairo, have been withdrawn from this year’s edition of the tourney due to lack of funding from the National Sports Commission, NSC.

The NBBF boss said: “There is no truth in the story that we withdrew our girls from the Dakar tourney due to lack of funds. It has nothing to do with financial troubles.”

Reflecting on the negative effects the decision might have on the senior national team, D’Tigress, “No,” he said, explaining that the NBBF are restructuring its development programme, which will include a much needed change of “mentality.”

“It would not affect the national team because we are focusing on the U-16 team, so we can create viable and competitive teams.”

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Meanwhile, on the speculation surrounding men’s national team head coach, Ayodele Bakare’s future.

Umar said: “We have not sacked him nor has he resigned. Our agreement with the coaching staff was up to the Olympics. Coach Bakare is now with his team (Comets) in the Nigerian league.”

“We have been in regular contact with him, which is good for the Nigerian basketball harmony. We must recognise that he has given a lot to Nigeria basketball,” Umar said.

—Bamidele Olowosagba

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