Kida rally Nigerians worldwide to back D’Tigress ahead of FIBA Women’s World Cup

Kida rally Nigerians worldwide to back D’Tigress ahead of FIBA Women’s World Cup

As preparations intensify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany,President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmed Musa Kida on Tuesday called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to throw their full support behind D’Tigress in their quest for global success.

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 emphasized that the women’s national basketball team deserves the same nationwide backing, attention, and emotional investment often reserved for the country’s football teams.

The Chairman, NNPCL 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,” Shaibu 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. 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,” he added.

NBBF President Ahmed Musa Kida 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.

“This is a moment for unity and belief,” Kida stated. “D’Tigress are warriors who have consistently shown that Nigerian teams can compete with the best in the world. We are calling on Nigerians at home and abroad to support these women with the same spirit and commitment they show to our football teams.”

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. We want Nigerians everywhere to proudly identify with this team as they prepare to face some of the world’s strongest basketball nations,” he said.

Kida 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.

For D’Tigress, the road ahead may be difficult, but with the backing of millions of Nigerians around the world, the team will hope to carry the nation’s dreams into Germany with courage, belief, and determination.