By Ebube Dike

The Nigeria Basketball Federation took delivery of D’Tigers kits on Thursday ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games after they got a waiver from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Finance.

The federation had earlier hit a snag over payment for import duties kits supplied by its partner-Peak.

Speaking on Friday, NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida said, “We have finally put the issues of kits behind us and we can now fully concentrate on adequately preparing the team for the Olympics”.

Kida deeply expressed his appreciation to the FG under the leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for their prompt intervention.

“We wish to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare for their timely intervention and speedy attention. This would not have been possible without their help”.

“We must also not forget to thank the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Hameed Ali for speeding up the process.”

The women team will be kitted by AFA Sports Wear for the Olympics having entered a partnership with the federation since 2017.

On the financial situation of the team, the NBBF restated that the Federal Government remains solidly behind the federation in ensuring that the D’Tigers and D’Tigress are adequately prepared for the Olympics.

As the teams and basketball in Nigeria continues to gather momentum, Kida called on Corporate organisations to key into the positive winds blowing across the basketball hemisphere and partner with the NBBF.