Looming FIBA Ban On Nigeria: Rivers Hoopers First Casualty, Group Warns Of More Doom To Come

Friends of Nigeria Sports (FNS) has expressed its anger and disappointment over the decision of FIBA to ban Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers Hoopers from participating in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), slated to dunk off in March, this year, across major cities in Africa. 

Reacting to the letter signed by FIBA’s Secretary and Regional Director, Biles Alphonse, and addressed to Engr. Musa Kida in his capacity as NBBF president, spokesperson for FNS, Asiwaju Akeem Busari, described it as unfortunate and demoralizing.

The letter, which was released over the weekend, cited the inability of Nigeria to conduct the federation election.

It would be recalled that FIBA gave the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development up till January 30 2022 to conduct the NBBF election. This follows the ministry order to cancel the election originally plan for Benin on October 30, 2021.

“It is unfortunate and highly regrettable that FIBA has slammed its hammer on Nigeria, due to the stubbornness of the sports ministry to disrespect the directives of FIBA.

“Remember, we (FNS), severally warned against the actions and inactions of the sports ministry, which has been premised on the selfish agendas of some officials of the ministry.

Asiwaju Akeem Busari accused the sports ministry officials of blatantly disregarding words of advice from stakeholders in the basketball community not to take over the organization of the final 8 of the male basketball league from the NBBF board which had been in charge of the game. 

Meanwhile, Rivers Hoopers will be meeting this week to consider what steps to take in order to participate in the competition. The ban has dealt a devastating blow to the players and officials who were expected to resume training for the biggest continental club competition.

Continuing, he said, “Nigerians are praying and hoping the sports Ministry will allow the federation to conduct its election as agreed by NBBF congress.

“There are indications that the male and female national teams D’ Tigers and D’Tigress could be banned by FIBA if the elections did not hold on or before January 30, 2022. 

“Therefore, we are hoping that the Sports ministry listen to the voice of the people by allowing the NBBF to hold its election