FG might have made the decision too late, as It is unclear if FIBA will allow Nigeria to participate in the 2022 Women’s World Cup
By Mosope Michaels
Nigerian government on Thursday, June 23, reversed its decision to ban Nigeria’s basketball teams from all international competitions for two years.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in May this year approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions.
The decision was made known by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, who said the suspension will last for two years.
The lifting of the ban, however, was made known by Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, during a conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to Abubakar, the lifting of the ban was a direct consequence of the letter of appeal written by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and signed by Mr Musa Kida.
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He also said, prior to this, concerned stakeholders, former Nigerian international basketball players, and well-meaning Nigerians had also attempted to seek solutions to the problems that triggered the decision.
After the ban was announced y the Federal Government, the Nigerian female basketball team, D’Tigress were replaced by their Malian counterpart in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 expected to take place in Sydney, Australia from September to October.
It is still unclear if FIBA will reverse its decision and allow Nigeria to participate in the competition now that the FG has lifted its ban on the team.
Meanwhile, Engr Musa Kida will be officially sworn in as the President of the NBBF following the ratification and acceptance of the January election held in Benin City by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
