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As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ahmed Musa Kida, has called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to fully back the national women’s team, D’Tigress, in their quest for global success.
Nigeria has been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside France, Hungary, and South Korea—a grouping widely regarded by analysts as one of the toughest at the tournament.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kida urged Nigerians to extend the same level of passion and support traditionally reserved for football to basketball, stressing that D’Tigress have consistently proven themselves worthy of national pride.
The NBBF president, who also serves as Chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, described D’Tigress as one of the country’s most disciplined and successful national teams, noting their sustained impact on both Nigerian and African basketball.
“D’Tigress have continued to carry the Nigerian flag with courage, discipline, and determination on the international stage,” Kida said. “This is the time for Nigerians everywhere to unite behind them. The same energy and passion we give to football should also be extended to basketball.”
He emphasized that national pride should cut across all sports, adding that athletes perform better when buoyed by strong public support.
“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.
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Despite the difficult draw, Kida expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, urging Nigerians globally to actively support their campaign.
“This is a moment for unity and belief. D’Tigress are warriors who have consistently shown that Nigerian teams can compete with the best in the world,” he said.
Kida further noted that basketball in Nigeria continues to grow steadily due to the commitment of its players, adding that increased public backing would serve as a major boost ahead of the global tournament.
“These players have made history repeatedly for Nigeria and Africa. They deserve encouragement, prayers, and the full backing of the nation,” he said.
He maintained that sports remain a vital tool for national unity and international identity, expressing confidence that D’Tigress can turn a challenging group into an opportunity for national pride.
With the countdown to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup underway, expectations are rising over the team’s readiness to once again make a strong statement on the world stage.
