Buba Unveil World Championship Plans

The NBBF stated that the Nigerian teams needed better preparation for the world fiesta, which will hold in August in Japan and September in Brazil.

The NBBF boss while commending the Lady Tigers' victory at the just concluded Fiba Africa Championship for Women, called on well-meaning Nigerians to assist the body in ensuring a successful outing at the World Championship.

"The teams had done well by qualifying for the World Championship. But it would be a different ball game at the world level so we are doing everything possible to prepare the team adequately for the event.

"What we will do is to appeal to our friends who supported the NBBF in the hosting of the Nations Cup in Abuja. I am definitely sure that they will be glad at what the team has achieved. This will be a good selling point for our next proposal to them.

"I believe that they will be well to assist us having seen the passion with which Nigerians follow the game of basketball, he added.

Gyang said that the board would meet with the coaches of the team to see how the camping exercise will be conducted. He, however, assured that the best preparation would be done, as the Nigerian team were not going to the event to make up the numbers.

Speaking in the same vein, First vice president of the federation, Segun Erinle said that the NBBF, will go on aggressive sponsorship drive as relying on the ministry could be fatal.

"What the board of the NBBF has decided to do is to source for funds from friends from the private sector. The ministry did not provide funds for the hosting of the Nations Cup that took place in Abuja last month, so relying on them could be a big mistake. However, we will welcome their contribution.

"Most of those who sponsored the Nations Cup will be approached early enough to acquaint them about the need to support the national teams. I am sure that they will be willing to do so considering the fact that the Lady Tigers did well by winning the trophy for the second time," he added.