Nigeria quits international basketball for two years

By AFP

The Nigerian government on Thursday ordered the country’s basketball teams to pull out of international competitions for two years following a lingering leadership row at the basketball federation.

United States’ Draymond Green (14) shoots against Nigeria’s Ekpe Udoh (8) during an exhibition basketball game Saturday, July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. / AP

In January, the federation staged two separate elections during which the incumbent Musa Kida emerged as the winner in one, while Igoche Mark was voted through in the other.

“Government intends to utilize this period of the break to address all contentious issues among stakeholders,” said sports minister Sunday Dare in a statement.

The minister said the government would only help develop basketball in a better atmosphere.

He urged players, officials, and fans of the sport to remain calm as the “government embarks on far-reaching initiatives to reposition, sustain and stabilize the game of basketball for growth and success in the long-term interest of the country”.

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