Basketball fans in Lagos have poured encomiums on the senior national men’s team, D’Tigers for their new status as the number one team in Africa in the sport’s latest rankings.
The rankings released by the Federation of International Basketball Associations, (FIBA) rates Nigeria 16th in the world and number one in Africa following D’Tigers exploits at the just-concluded Rio Olympics.
Nigeria is occupying the number one position for the first time in their history following the victory at the FIBA Africa Championship in 2015.
Nigeria was formerly the 25th in the world and the 16th in Africa.
The basketball enthusiasts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was a great development for Nigeria’s basketball and that all efforts should be made to sustain the status.
Segun Ikuesan, a seasoned sports caster, said that it is wonderful news and gave kudos to the Tijjani Umar’s leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
“It is a great development for Nigeria’s basketball; I recall before the leadership of Umar in 2009 before he came in as the federation’s President, Nigeria’s basketball was nowhere.
“He has completely changed everything and worked hard to sustain a back to back Olympics appearance and most importantly, claiming the nation’s first ever trophy in men’s basketball in 2015 in Tunisia.
“This is a feat not achieved by his predecessors, so I congratulate him, sincerely if I have my way I want him to continue to head the board.
“But if he and the board do not continue following the coming elections, then the new board must follow their footsteps, especially using their blueprint to operate.
“Before Umar came on board, we were nowhere near the medals table; he has really restored some pride for our basketball and the women’s basketball as well.
According to Ikuesan, for us to sustain the new status, emphasis must be put on age grade basketball championships to develop future players.
“All efforts must be geared towards a successful outing at the next FIBA Africa Championship in Brazzaville, Congo,’’ Ikuesan said.
Patrick Omorodion, the Media Officer of NBBF, told NAN that the new status is as a result of painstaking hard work from a great leader.
“Umar’s leadership has been proved beyond doubt that he is a success-driven individual, we look forward to many great strides in the future,’’ Omorodion said.
Upe Atosu, a member of the senior national women’s team, D’Tigress, congratulated the team and also poured encomium on the leadership of Umar.
She said that much has been achieved during his tenure and honour should be given to him.
“I am so happy about the new rankings, it is a great thing for Nigeria, I congratulate the players and also the NBBF President, Tijjani Umar,’’ Atosu said.