Nigeria’s U18 Tigers Must Stay Committed Until Their Mission Is Accomplished – Ugo Udezue

South East representative in the executive committee of Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ugo Udezue has commended the country’s teenage national team, Cadet D’Tigers for winning the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U18 Championship, but charged them to stay committed until they complete their mission.

‎Sports247 reports that, with eyes on the continental title and subsequent qualification for the global level, Udezue stressed that the U18 Tigers cannot afford to rest on their oars, despite ending an outstanding campaign by defeating hosts Burkina Faso 100-54 to emerge champions of the sub-region.

Udezue, who was Nigeria’s head of delegation to the qualifiers in Ougadougou, admitted he was awed, after seeing the U18 Tigers pull off a perfect 4-0 record by defeating Benin Republic 96-35 and 101-43 as well as trouncing Burkina Faso 98-54 and 100-54 in their double-layered games.

‎While noting that the results helped Nigeria secure the Zone 3 title and a spot in the continental championship, Udezue declared that it reinforced the country’s status as a leading basketball nation in West Africa, which he pointed out was made possible by the current NBBF leadership.

Udezue praised NBBF’s president, Engineer Ahmad Musa Kida for providing his personal efforts and unflinching commitment to youth basketball and the game in general by sponsoring a high powered delegation to support the team in Burkina Faso, aimed at motivating the players and technical crew.

While reaffirming the federation’s commitment to the success of Nigeria’s basketball national teams, Udezue commended the players for their loyalty, patriotism and discipline, which he said led to impressive performances, but urged the lads to remain focused on the long task ahead.

‎”The team has shown great character and quality, but we must remain disciplined and committed until the mission is fully accomplished. Every game requires the same level of focus and determination,” Udezue posited.

Sports247 gathered that, with the U18 Tigers having won all their matches to top Zone 3, they qualified for the Africa FIBA U18 Championship scheduled for August 3rd to 6th in Côte d’Ivoire, where they will play alongside their female colleagues, who had earlier secured a ticket as well.