FIBA 2018 WOMEN WORLD CUP NBBF: No More Rift in D’Tigress Camp

Basketball stakeholders have been urged to set aside all their differences and support the D’Tigress as they prepare for the FIBA 2018 Women World Cup in Spain.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) leadership called for calm and focus for the task ahead rather than expending unnecessary energy on normal social issues that happened between two players (Aisha Mohammed and Ijeoma Ajemba) in camp which had since been resolved.

Speaking on behalf of the federation, the International Representative on the NBBF board, Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd) said the disagreement between the two players has since been resolved with appropriate fines handed out to the players involved.

Ahmedu who alongside Players’ Representative on NBBF board, Ejike Ugboaja, met with the players involved in the squabble, said it was disturbing why the situation which had already been handled internally found its way into the media space more than a week after.

“It is true that two players were involved in an altercation.  In any social setting, it is impossible to rule out situations like this which the federation has handled in the best possible way,” observed the NBBF chief.

Ahmedu refuted reports that the federation gave one player undue preference in the resolution of the matter.

“Ijeoma featured in the team’s last tune up game on the 11th of August but was dropped after Coach Otis announced a 14-man provisional list of players from the 18 left in camp.

“There is no case whatsoever against Aisha as amicable resolution was recommended. The three-time Afrobasket winner will be arriving with the team which will ultimately lay to rest any speculation. The recent incident has once again confirmed that we are all human after all,” Ahmedu further observed.

He appealed for total support for Aisha Mohammed who has continued to serve Nigeria dutifully any time she is called upon.

According to the latest arrangement put in place by the federation, the team will now depart Atlanta today and arrive Lagos tomorrow evening with 10 players.

Head Coach, Otis Hughley, and Fitness and Strength Coach, Alexander Friday, and others are expected to arrive Nigeria for the final leg of the preparation for the FIBA World Cup in Spain at later dates.