Sports
Quick Read
This is not the first time funding issues have affected the team, as similar challenges reportedly disrupted preparations for previous competitions.
Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, could face serious challenges at the ongoing 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Angola due to unpaid participation and accommodation fees.
The team made a strong start to the competition by defeating Tunisia 84-81 on Thursday in Luanda.
However, a FIBA official disclosed that Nigeria has not yet settled payments for the team’s hotel accommodation and tournament participation. The official expressed concern that the situation could affect the team’s campaign if the payments are not made quickly.
According to reports, officials of the Nigerian government were expected in Luanda to address the issue, but there are fears that D’Tigers could be asked to leave their hotel or even face problems continuing in the competition if the debts remain unpaid.
The National Sports Commission is responsible for funding Nigeria’s participation in major international events such as the World Cup and the Olympics. Reports indicate that payments for the team’s participation fees, hotel accommodation, and some travel expenses have not been fully completed.
Efforts to get comments from officials of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the National Sports Commission were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.
D’Tigers are competing for a place at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar. After winning only one of their first three qualifying matches, the team needs strong results in the current qualifying window to improve its chances of reaching the tournament.
This is not the first time funding issues have affected the team, as similar challenges reportedly disrupted preparations for previous competitions.
