D’Tigress victory tonic for basketball growth, says Minister
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has restated his commitment to developing the game of basketball further in Nigeria.
Taking a cue from the victory of D’Tigers in China where they picked the Olympics ticket, Mr Dare said the tonic to generate excitement and private investment around basketball has been promoted.
Restating the ministry’s commitment to developing other sports alongside football, the minister said Nigeria’s resurgence in certain sports including basketball will be leveraged upon in the build-up to the Olympics.
The Minister who followed up with the D’Tigers for each of their games had placed a call to them moments after they won.
In his tweet about the team’s victory he said “D’Tigers secured Africa’s sole Olympic ticket to Tokyo 2020. We will strive to keep them together as a team. Football, basketball, Athletics, boxing, weightlifting, table tennis, canoeing etc will engage our attention.”
The Minister also called the team before each game in order to motivate them. Moments after their victory, the Minister conveyed the congratulatory message of President Muhammadu Buhari to D’Tigers players and coaching staff.
TUNDE AKPEJI
SA (HM)
FOR: DIRECTOR, PRESS
