Nigeria lifts ban on international basketball competitions

The Federal Government reversed its decision to suspend Nigeria’s basketball teams from all international competitions on Thursday.

According to Channels Tv, this was announced by Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, at a conference in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Abubakar, the latest decision is based on a letter of appeal signed by Mr Musa Kida from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

He stated that the decision was triggered by the intervention of concerned stakeholders, former Nigerian international basketball players, and well-meaning Nigerians seeking solutions to the issues.

According to reports, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions in May.

Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, who confirmed the news, stated that the suspension would be in effect for two years.

He had stated that the development would allow the government to focus on efforts to revitalize the sport.