Nigeria's former coach, Alabi Adelanwa says the reigning Africa Champions, D'Tigress have equal chances of qualifying for the next round against their highly rated opponents in the forthcoming Tokyo Olympic in Japan
The senior national female basketball side are drawn in the Group B of the Olympic against World Champions, USA, number one European team, France and host Japan rated 10th by the FIBA world ranking
But Adelanwa in a chat with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital over the weekend, expressed confidence in the ability of the Coach Otis Hughley tutored squad to do well against strong opponents at the biggest multi-sports event in the world in Tokyo
"Nigeria will perform against the world champions, USA, I know the girls will not disappoint Nigerians at the Olympic",he stated
The veteran tactician expressed satisfaction with the level of D'Tigress' preparation for the game so far at Lange Munta Arena in Kortrijk, Belgium during which the team won two and lost two of its tune-up friendliest against Puerto Rico, Serbia, Belgium and Spain, between May 28 and last Thursday
They defeated Serbia 59-56points and later lost to Belgium 79-47points and narrowly to European Champions, Spain 61-52points
Adelanwa who produced the likes of NBA legend, Akeem Olajuwon and former captain of D'Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, insisted that the D'Tigress were not pushover in the group
According to him, "D'Tigress should not be underated, I'm highly impressed with their preparation, when the players are in top form, they can beat any team,we have the best team representing Africa, they will show the best stuff they are made of at the Olympic"
The former handler of national team also commended Engr.Musa Kida led Care-Taker Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), for ensuring that the team are given the best of preparation in their camp in Las-Vegas in the United States, since May 8,2021
He described the federation president as somebody who understands the game, being a former basketball player who has passion for the development of the game in the country
"I have confident in the girls to perform, the team just need prayers of Nigerians to ensure that the girls are injury free when the game holds between July 23 and August 8 in the Japanese city of Tokyo", Adelanwa submitted
No comments:
Post a Comment