The Director General and Chief Officer of the National Institute for Sports, NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has charged Nigeria’s D’Tigers not to lose hope following their defeat to Cameroon in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
The hard-fought encounter ended 78-62 in favour of the Cameroonians. The match was played in the opening fixture of the second window of Group E of the qualifiers.
Shaibu noted that despite the result, the Nigerian squad showed flashes of brilliance and a never-die attitude during the game. He said the team’s performance reflected determination and the potential to do better in subsequent games.
The NIS boss called on the players, the technical crew, and the entire management of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, led by Engr. Musa Kida, to remain steadfast. He urged them not to be discouraged by the opening loss.
Shaibu added that the qualifiers are still in progress and there is ample opportunity for D’Tigers to recover. He expressed confidence that with focus and better execution, the team can still secure qualification for the World Cup.
The NIS DG reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting Nigerian basketball. He urged fans and stakeholders to continue to rally behind D’Tigers as they push to redeem themselves in the next games of the qualifiers.