CAPTAIN of the Nigeria national men basketball team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji has frowned on recent story published by a national newspaper over a comment credited to him that the Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung is not happy with the administration of basketball in Nigeria.
Reacting to the story from his base in London, Oyedeji who denied stating that the Sports Minister showed disaffection for NBBF, said at no time did he made such statement, but stressed that the impasse between the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the organizer of the ABL league portend a dangerous trend to the game in Nigeria.
"I will like to use this opportunity to clear up my own side once and for all on what transpired. It was true I had discussions with the individual concerned, but the context of what I discussed with him was taken out of context. What I said was that, I clarified to the Minister the issue between NBBF and ABL and how that posed risk to our basketball which could forced FIBA to place sanction on Nigeria in future participation in global basketball tournaments,” Oyedeji explained.
The D’Tigers captain stated further, “The discussion was about European teams that were banned by Fiba. And what that portends for Nigeria basketball is that if issue is not addressed, it could be disastrous. Eight teams in Europe have gone through this type of sanctions because of this type of situations that mirrored on what is happening between the NBBF and ABL.
"My interest is to see a seamless growth and development of basketball in Nigeria. It is also instructive that what is happening in Nigeria football can be a lesson from what has happened across basketball in Europe.
"The most important line is that at no point did I complained about the Hon. Minister in the was he administer sports in Nigeria, contrary to the impression created by the article,” he stressed.
Oyedeji who is also a member of the NBBF board as well as FIBA Players Commission stressed that there was no time he said the Sports Minister is not happy with the administration of basketball in the country as the article suggested.
"I have to make it clear that at no time I expressed any disaffection of the Minister in the basketball administration.
"I again reiterate been honored to serve my country as a member of the basketball federation and national team. I will always act in the interests of sport in our country.
The Minister who I believe has a vision for Nigerian athletes and the youth, is bend at ensuring that the country excel in the forthcoming Olympic Games and other youth development.
“As the Captain of Team Nigeria, whose responsibility is to protect the interest of the athletes and image of Nigeria, it would undesirable for me to make such statement most importantly that the effort of the country is geared towards preparation and success in the Olympics,” Oyedeji added.
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