Kida also revealed that he ensured that NBBF board members did not meddle in the affairs of the Nigerian team before the games
By Kehinde Okeowo
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida has attributed the historic feat of the D’Tigress at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics to taking the best talents to the summer games.
He made this known recently while featuring on a programme aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
D’Tigress against all odds made it to the quarter-final of the women’s basketball event.
They defeated heavyweights, Australia and Canada in the group stage, making history as the first African team to make it beyond the first round in his history of the Olympics.
ALSO READ: Redknapp urges Arsenal to sign more players, says Jesus, Partey can’t last whole season
Lima 2024: Nigeria’s U-20 Athletes poised to restore Nation’s Pride in Peru World Champ
Heartland: NFF condoles Imo govt over death of ex-international goalkeeper, Christian Obi
The African champions, however, bowed out in the quarter-final losing to holders United States of America.
Explaining why the Nigerian ladies had an impressive outing during the games, Kida said his decision to stop NBBF board members from imposing players on D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama played a key role.
He added that while he does not object to board members suggesting names of players, he believes the final decision on those to take to the Olympics rests with the coach.
Speaking on the team’s historic feat, he said: “The responsibility is that we have tried to isolate other board members from influencing.
“Board members can suggest, they can bring in names just like anybody else but the ultimate selection of the team is in the hands of the coach and the technical crew.”
