The Federal Government has lauded Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, for kicking off their 2025 AfroBasket campaign in style with a 77–59 win over Madagascar in Luanda, Angola.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, conveyed the government’s commendation in a statement released on Thursday by the commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi.
He praised the players for living up to their promise of delivering an outstanding performance.
“While watching the match, I remembered your promise to deliver the trophy when I visited your camp before you left,” Dikko said.
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“In this match, I saw the commitment, meaning that you have truly matched words with action. With the dedication and zeal you displayed in this game, it is evident that you are truly committed to bringing back the trophy.”
He encouraged the team to remain focused as the tournament progresses, warning that tougher opposition lay ahead.
Dikko also noted that D’Tigers’ quality had never been in doubt and that their form showed they were ready to make the country proud, much like their female counterparts, D’Tigress, who recently triumphed at the Women’s AfroBasket.
The NSC chairman further conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s support, stating that the president’s Renewed Hope and Shared Prosperity agenda had been producing results in sports.
“Mr. President is expecting to get his hands on another trophy from you. I want to assure you that the whole nation is solidly behind you,” he added.
Similarly, the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, applauded the victory, urging the players to stay focused and determined throughout the tournament. “Surely the harder the opposition comes, the harder they will fall,” Olopade said.
