By Amaechi Agbo

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated Nigeria senior national female basketball team, the D’Tigress for making the country proud by qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The D’Tigress qualified for the July-August Games in Japan after beaten Mozambique and losing narrowly to world basketball super powers, Serbia and USA at the just concluded FIBA Olympic Qualifiers in Serbia.

USA Sunday survived the D’Tigress ambush and defeated the Nigerian ladies 76-71 in a match the reigning world champions described the D’Tigress’ performance as an ‘outstanding team.’

In a state house release on Sunday, President Buhari felicitated with the team and encouraged them to remain focused, determined and expressed hope that being the current African Champions, the team have the talents that could make global impact in the sport.

He assured of the federal government support and commitment in ensuring that the team get proper preparation and mobilization for all outings at the Olympics.

The release made @NGRPresident twitter handle, reads “The President @MBuhari felicitates with female Basketball team, @DtigressNG, on their qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, urging them to remain focused, determined and energized for a good outing at the tournament.

“President Buhari commends the sportsmanship and resilience of the team all through the qualifying stages, and in their trainings, saluting their courage in always putting out their best as they represent the country.

“Being the current African Champions, President Buhari believes @DtigressNG already have the talents that could make global impact in the sport, assuring that @NigeriaGov would ensure proper preparation and mobilization for all outings.

“The President also commends team officials and the National Basketball Federation (NBA) for the discipline and motivation of @DtigressNG.”

D’Tigress played three matches at the FIBA Olympic qualifier in Serbia, defeated fellow Africans, Mozambique, 85 to 51points, lost 64-70 points to host Serbia and narrowly lost 71-76 to world champions, USA