News
D’Tigers AfroBasket crisis: B’ball players lament unfair treatment
Basketball players have lamented the controversy surrounding D’Tigers’ trip to Tunisia for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers window, saying it’s a reflection of how they’ve been poorly treated by the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
There was anxiety among basketball stakeholders on Wednesday after the NBBF announced that former African champions D’Tigers had been withdrawn from the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers, which begins today in Tunisia.
According to a release by the NBBF, the withdrawal from the qualifiers was due to the inability of the Ministry of Sports to provide the federation with the needed funds for the trip.
A few hours later, the federation again said it was making last-minute attempts for D’Tigers to participate in the tournament.
“The federation is aiming to finalise a roster and gather funds in time to play AfroBasket qualifiers,” a post read on the D’Tigers X handle.
The PUNCH has, however, gathered that the team arrived in Tunisia Thursday ahead of the qualifiers.
Some basketball players, who spoke with The PUNCH , said they weren’t surprised by the NBBF’s statement, adding that they had been unfairly treated over the years.
Former First Bank player, Theresa Dangosu, said, “At this point in time, there’s nothing to be shocked about when it concerns basketball because of the type of leadership we have in the NBBF, and we can also extend it to the country as a whole.
“The main focus has always been placed on football, as though there aren’t other sports in Nigeria.
“Our women D’Tigress won their fourth consecutive AfroBasket, there weren’t any encomiums from the government to them, they just qualified for the Olympics, and still everyone is silent.
“Even with how badly everyone said the Super Eagles performed at the AFCON and came second against hosts, Ivory Coast, they still got welcomed, celebrated and given honours, awards, lands and money.”
She added, “I think we all know where the priorities of the Nigerian government lie when it comes to sports.
“And can you blame the government? No, because we have a failed system in the NBBF, people who cannot go to the government with the needs of the federation because of how much they’ve abused those privileges in the past. This is a clear case of incompetence because what does an incompetent body do? Blame everyone every time for their failures, nothing is ever their fault.
“This is where we are in the affairs of governance with the NBBF and the country as a whole, so nothing surprises me again.”
Marilyn Ogoigbe, who plays for First Bank basketball club, said NBBF officials cared less about the players.
She said, “About this, I’m not surprised at all, I mean the people in charge don’t care about players, they are all about themselves.
“A tournament they ought to have prepared for and they decided to withdraw days before jump ball because of lack of funds. What’s the ministry doing about it? I mean they were able to sponsor the Super Eagles to AFCON, why is basketball always different?”
Former Rivers Hoopers star Austin Akpejiori, who now features for Tunisian side Union Sportive El Ansa, said he was left embarrassed after the NBBF announced they had withdrawn D’Tigers form the tournament.
“Truth is I wasn’t shocked, I was embarrassed. How low can we get as a basketball community? The federation keeps staining our white.”
It is not the first time that paucity of funds has threatened D’Tigers’ participation in a major basketball tournament.
In 2019, the team nearly missed out on featuring in the 2019 FIBA World Cup until a late intervention by the then Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
News
BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria
In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.
Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.
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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win
Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.
Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice
Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.
Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.
According to the manager:
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”
Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
And Rice isn’t the only concern.
Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.
Arteta put it bluntly:
“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”
Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”
January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind
Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.
“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”
In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.
Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off
Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.
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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.
With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.
Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books
The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:
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226 international caps
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143 goals for Portugal
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A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.
“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes
Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:
“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”
Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.
He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.
Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:
“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:
“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”
Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.
So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?
If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.
And with CR7, you can never say never.
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