Basketball

2020 Olympics Group of Death: No Cause For Alarm Over Olympics Draws

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2021

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has expressed optimism that there is no cause for alarm following the draws that pitted D’Tigress against world number one, USA, France and 2020 Olympics host-Japan which many described as the ‘group of death’.

Reacting to the draws conducted yesterday, the Federation said it is focused on preparing the teams well for the challenges ahead in their quest to make Nigerians proud.

The Federation President, Engr Musa Kida said all the 12 teams at the Olympics have a reasonable chance of winning the tournament, hence there are no minnows.

“Nothing good can be handed to you on a platter of gold. You have to work hard and be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes because to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

He believes a lot can still happen between now and when the games tips off capable of upsetting bookmakers predictions and the fate of teams.

“We have to be focused on what we have to do as a federation with the help of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Sports to ensure we adequately prepare the team, get the right personnel for the challenges ahead.”

On his part, head coach of the senior women’s team, Otis Hughley described USA and world number five- France as familiar foes.

“We met USA and France at the last World Cup in Spain and again faced USA at the Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Serbia last year where we qualified for the Olympics.”

Otis who led the team to the quarter finals of the 2018 World Cup thereby setting an African record before winning the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket championship noted that, “We are mindful of the threat these teams pose to us including Japan who are ranked 10th in the FIBA ranking. We are going to prepare adequately to ensure that when the time comes, we will be ready.”

In an unprecedented fashion prior to any Olympics, D’Tigress are currently camped in Atlanta, USA months before the games under the watchful eyes of Coach Otis.

The Olympics games will be held between 23rd of July and 8th of August, 2021 after its initial postponement due to COVID-19

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Basketball

Airwarrior Basketball Club Chairman, Celebrates Sallah with Journalists in Abuja

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2025

The Gleamer

The event, filled with camaraderie and appreciation, provided an opportunity for Alhaji Solademi to acknowledge the vital role of the media in national development and the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

In a warm gesture of unity, oneness, togetherness and goodwill, the Chairman of Air Warriors Basketball Club, Abuja, Alhaji Abddulmajid Solademi, hosted a group of Basketball Journalists on Saturday at his residence in celebration of the Sallah festivities in Abuja.

The gathering that shows the importance of love, peace, and unity values which is crucial not just for the advancement of basketball, but for the overall progress of the nation.

However, the Sallah is a time to reflect on our shared humanity,” he said. “It’s a moment to support one another and to uphold the values that bring us together, rather than divide us.”

Guests at the event shared stories, enjoyed meals, Asun Rice, Oriental rice, Jollof Rice, Swallow in variety with a lot of drinks that mede them to engaged in meaningful discussions on the development of sports in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots basketball.

Many attendees praised Solademi for his unwavering support for the sporting community and his ongoing commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

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