Mark, Kida continue their illegal act laying claim to NBBF Presidency
Mark and Kida, both adults know their elections were illegal but they seem adamant about adding fire to the crisis
By
Olukayode Thomas
Factional NBBF Presidents Igoche Mark and Musa Kida continue their shameful and illegal act of laying claim to the NBBF leadership in congratulatory messages to D’Tigress over their victory over France.
Mark and Kida, both adults know their elections were illegal but they seem adamant about adding fire to the crisis that has engulfed basketball in Nigeria since 2013.
Mark in his is message congratulated the D'Tigress over their 67-65 victory against France at the ongoing FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifier in Serbia.
The keenly contested game saw the Nigerian ladies overcoming a 17 points deficit during the first quarter of the game.
Mark, self-appointed NBBF President said the team showed the true spirit of a Nigerian by defying the odds to beat the fifth-best Women’s Basketball Team in the FIBA rankings.
"Congratulations dear Champions, I have never doubted your abilities. Thank you for putting up a good fight. You have made the federation proud, the country is proud of your performance. You defied every odd to beat one of the best basketball teams in the world, that's the Nigerian spirit.
You have conquered Africa, this is the time to rule the world as we rooting solidly behind in your next game. Keep soaring higher.”
Mark compatriot in the struggle to further destroy Nigeria basketball Kida described the win as a result of hard work and steady growth since 2017.
“We are excited about where we are and what we have been able to achieve. This is not just another result because it is a result that we are going to celebrate for a long time to come”.
“We are seeing a team that learned a lot from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2021 Afrobasket win. The growth has been steady and consistent and we are not surprised that the results have continued to bear testament to what we are trying to achieve”.
Victoria Macaulay shouldered the scoring burden on the night with 19 points while contributing 4 assists. The Galatasaray of Turkey centre also did some work defensively with 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 blocks to help the team secure it first-ever win against France.
“We will like to appreciate His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly support towards the team. The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has also been solidly behind us through thick and thin”.
“This victory and ticket would not have been possible without them”.
The French girls will not forget Oderah Chidom in a hurry after contributing 13pts, 5assts and 6rebs to avenge the 2020 Olympics and 2018 FIBA World Cup defeats.
Promise Amukamara and Adaora Elonu added 10pts each to seal a victory for the team.
Second-placed Nigeria will face Mali on Sunday while France will hope to bounce back when they meet China.
Glowing tributes by Musa and Kida notwithstanding, the truth is both are number one enemies of basketball in Nigeria today. If they truly love the sport, they will bury their personal ambitions and work toward lasting peace in our basketball.
