Fiba Africa Championship - D'Tigers back home

The seven players which includes skipper, Tunji Awojobi, Julius Nwosu, Gab Muoneke, Chamberlain Oguchi, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Kingsley Ogwudire and Jeff Varem were received by federation top shot made up of the president Gyang Buba, Dr. Adamu Ahmed, Pius Ayinor and Assistant Secretary, Bisi Odubote.

Some of the players who spoke to www.eurobasket.com, expressed satisfaction that Nigeria made it to the World Championship billed for Japan next year.

Korea based power forward, Muoneke, said what was witnessed in Algeria was beyond basketball but pure politic, but says it is a good thing that Nigeria qualify for the global championship where the rest of the world would have the opportunity to witness the arrays of talents at the disposal of the country.

He said though the country took a step backward from it second placing in 2003 but added that what matter most is that Nigeria flag would be hoisted among the best of basketball nations come 2006 in Japan and a personal fulfillment of playing in the world championship which is the dream of every right thinking players.

“I feel fulfilled that I will be among the players who will showcase their skills at the world championship and I’m proud to be part of the set of players that makes it possible for Nigeria to be there”, an elated Muoneke stated.

He described the scenario which saw him been ejected in the first quarter of the third place match against Algeria as better forgotten but rather concentrate on what is ahead.

Nwosu hinged most of the loses on bad officiating but was quick to add that Nigeria will surpassed Angola’s feat of 9th placing at the 2002 world championship in Indianapolis.

Nwosu who ply his trade in France praised the Angolan for doing Africa proud in 2002 but says no team in the continent would get near the height Nigeria will attain in 2006.

Ageless points guard Ogwudire described the third place match against Algeria as the toughest D’Tigers played at the African championship.

According to him, "Algeria want to win Nigeria want to win, we didn’t backed down in the court and we had the better day and we picked the third slot for the world fiesta."

Skipper Awojobi on his part described D’Tigers outing as satisfactory but said with proper preparation Nigeria will no doubt rule the Africa continent.

The Red Star Belgrade forward said, “I’m proud to be a Nigerian and with all honesty it is good to be counted among the twenty four best basketball nations of the world”