The Federal Government has reversed the ban placed on Nigeria’s basketball national teams from participating in international competitions.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Ismaila Abubakar disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, the latest decision is based on a letter of appeal from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), signed by Mister Musa Kida.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, being one that is committed to youth development and desirous of ensuring that they are availed of all opportunities in sports and other endeavors considered the appeal and in the overriding spirit of national interest, love for our youth, and in order to avoid sending basket development into a long period of suspension when NBBF have now committed to the resolution of the issues which precipitated the withdrawal in the first place has approved the return of Nigeria to international basketball immediately,” Abubakar said in a statement.
He added that President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the ministry to ensure the implementation of the undertakings by the NBBF and “report back to Mr. President on progress”.
Recall that the president had, in May, approved the suspension of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions.
Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, who confirmed the development had said the suspension will last for two years.