Kida appeals for nationwide backing as D'Tigers kick off FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign

Nigerians are being urged by Engr. Ahmad Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, to throw their weight behind the D'Tigers, the country's senior men's national basketball team, as they commence their FIBA Africa Basketball World Cup Qualifiers campaign.

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The D'Tigers have been placed in Group E, where they will face off against Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia, and Guinea, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive qualifying series.

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The team's campaign will kick off on 27 August with a match against Cameroon, followed by a encounter with South Sudan on 28 August, and then a final showdown against Cabo Verde on 30 August to wrap up the opening qualifying window.

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According to Kida, the support of basketball enthusiasts, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians is crucial as the team embarks on its quest to secure a spot in the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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Kida believes that the backing of Nigerians will serve as a significant morale booster for the players and the technical crew as they take on some of the continent's top basketball nations.

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The D'Tigers head into the qualifiers with a promising track record, having emerged victorious in three of their four previous meetings with Cameroon and both of their earlier encounters against South Sudan.

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However, Cabo Verde poses a significant challenge, with Nigeria managing only one win in six meetings, a statistic that underscores the difficulty of the task at hand.

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Despite this, the NBBF president has expressed confidence in the team's ability to put up a strong fight, while also calling for unity and support from Nigerians throughout the qualifying journey.

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With qualification places on the line, the D'Tigers will be looking to make a strong start in Group E and position Nigeria favourably for a spot at the global basketball showpiece.