Succour seem to have come the way of D’Tigress players ahead of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Serbia, as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Igoche Mark has promised to offset their backlog of bonuses and allowances being owed the team by the Federation, just as he charged the them to do the country proud at the global qualifier.
The players have hitherto vowed to shun any subsequent national call-up, following the backlog of bonuses and allowances (50,000 USD) being owed the team by the Federation.
• D’Tigress vs Greece.. in the previous encounter
Determined to improve and develop the game of basketball, Mark,told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that the new NBBF board has made the national teams – D’Tigers and D’Tigress issues, a top priority.
“D’Tigress, this is to wish you all the best as you go out there to make Nigeria proud once again in Serbia at the World Cup Qualifiers. Our prayers are with you, be rest assure that the new face of Basketball has come to stay. We have heard your appeal, and we are going to handle all your issues, all your outstanding, all your debts are going to be paid as soon as possible. We are working on it. For now, please, go make us proud,” Mark told the players.
• D’Tigress player trying to stop French attack… during their previous game
Remarkably, the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, had in November, 2021 mandated the Engr Musa Kida-led NBBF board to pay the team 50,000 USD being outstanding bonuses and allowances owed the D’Tigress since 2018.
The African champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria are in Group B alongside continental arch rivals, Mali, while both France and China, complete the group.
