Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has praised the Nigeria men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, for creating history as the first African team to defeat the United States.
The Minister disclosed that Nigeria’s team produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of basketball when they beat three-time reigning Olympic champion and the best team in the world, Team USA in the recent pre-Tokyo Olympics opener.
He revealed that the team made Nigerians and the Federal Government proud and confident.
He said: “Every single player showed up for the game and collectively the team put up a ruthless execution of basketball skills. The team matched the highly-rated American team skill for skill, shot for shot, and in every department, the Nigerian team was on top of its game. Thank you, D’Tigers for again announcing Nigeria’s arrival on the basketball world with a bang.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are proud of you. As the Olympics games proper beckons in a few days we are confident in your skills and certain that you are up to the task. Just as we are sure of the female team, D’ Tigress.
“Having this morale-boosting performance on the eve of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a positive signal that Team Nigeria will achieve podium finishes at the Games.”
Nigeria defeated the United States men’s basketball team 90-87 during the recent pre-Olympic exhibition game at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas.
Check out the match highlights below:
