Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) president, Musa Kida, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to throw their full support behind D’Tigress in their quest for success at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.
The appeal comes following Nigeria’s placement in a difficult Group B alongside France, Hungary and South Korea, a draw many basketball followers have described as one of the toughest in the tournament.
Speaking with deep conviction and optimism, Kida emphasised that the women’s national basketball team deserves the same nationwide backing, attention and emotional investment often reserved for the country’s football teams.
Kida described D’Tigress as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and disciplined national teams, noting that their achievements over the years have brought pride not only to Nigeria but to the African continent.
“D’Tigress have continued to carry the Nigerian flag with courage, discipline, and determination on the international stage,” Kuda said. “This is the time for Nigerians everywhere to unite behind them.”
“The same energy, passion, and support we give to football should also be extended to basketball because no national team or sport is superior to another when they are representing the green and white flag.”
The NBBF president stressed that national pride should transcend sporting divisions, adding that athletes perform better when they feel the strength and encouragement of the people behind them.
“Our athletes need to know that the country believes in them,” he said. “Support is not only about cheering when they win.”
“It is about standing with them before the competition begins. D’Tigress have earned that respect through years of sacrifice and success.”
The NBBF boss said the team would approach the World Cup with confidence and determination despite the difficult draw, urging Nigerians across the globe to become active supporters of the team’s journey.
Kida noted that basketball in Nigeria has continued to grow steadily because of the resilience and dedication of the players, insisting that greater public support would further inspire the team ahead of the global showpiece in Germany.
“These players have made history repeatedly for Nigeria and Africa. They deserve encouragement, prayers, and the full backing of the nation,” Kuda stressed.
“We want Nigerians everywhere to proudly identify with this team as they prepare to face some of the world’s strongest basketball nations.”
He maintained that sports remain one of the strongest instruments of national unity and international identity, insisting that D’Tigress have the capacity to turn the challenging draw into a moment of pride for the country.
With the countdown to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup already underway, expectations are growing around the team’s preparations and readiness to once again prove themselves on the world stage.