By Obi Martins Okafor.The victorious Nigerian basketball team. Photo: thenationonlineng.net
The countdown to the Olympic Games has gone from years to months to weeks and now a few days away. Preparations are already hitting home stretch and athletes and fans who will be involved are already sweating on the suspense of this spectacle
As expected, Nigeria will be participating in one of the team sports but this time it is the Basketball event and not football like the previous years.
Over the years, more attention has been directed towards Football, almost making Basketball almost a non-existed sport in the country. Yet the team still thrives out of an almost penniless account.
Nigeria qualified for their first Olympic Games with an 88-73 victory over the Dominican Republic in the final game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
It was a remarkable effort given only three players returned from last year’s team, the group had only two weeks preparation, and they had to defeat the world fourth and fifth ranked teams along the way.
The head coach, Bakare believes the team’s success and the entertaining style they play will deliver basketball a higher place in the pecking order.
“It’s changing already”, he said. “We had a phone call from the Minister and the Ambassador has been at every game. For us, if we have this exposure it begins to work for us.”
With basketball being the only team sport Nigeria will be participating in, it should be given the same, if not better treatment like the football team who collects bonus even after losing a match.
Dami is the editor and business developer for www.connectnigeria.com. she is an On-Air Personality and also an Artist with a focus in sculpting and pottery.
This video celebrates a monumental achievement as Jamiu Ninilowo, a young man from Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, won the gold medal at the 2025 United Nations Chess Tournament held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The post highlights Jamiu’s victory over a Russian opponent in a “thrilling endgame,” marking a significant milestone not just for … Continue reading Video of the week: Jamiu Ninilowo Boluwatife’s Journey to Victory
When it comes to sports, Nigeria has produced many remarkable talents who have gained international recognition. One name that stands out, especially in table tennis, is Aruna Quadri. His inspiring journey from a young boy in Nigeria to one of the world’s best table tennis players is a story worth knowing. Here, we explore … Continue reading Men You Should Know: Aruna Quadri
Team Nigeria finished the 2024 Paralympic Games in France with a total of seven medals after para-powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo created a new world record by lifting 167 kg in the women’s 86 kg category on Sunday, September 9, 2024, to win gold. Read more about Sports The Nigerian beat her world record after outlifting … Continue reading Para-Powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo Sets New World Record
Nigerian Paralympic powerlifting athlete Onyinyechi Mark has set a new world record by lifting an impressive 150 kg in the 61 kg category on Friday, September 6, 2024. Read more about Sports Onyinyechi Mark, 23, out-lifted opponents in the La Chapelle Arena, such as China’s Cui Jianjin, who won silver after lifting 140 kg, … Continue reading Onyinyechi Mark Sets New World Record, Wins Nigeria’s First 2024 Paralympic Gold