Basketballghana.com can report the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) has blasted basketball world governing body (FIBA) for ruling against Nneka Ogwumike’s petition to play for Nigeria’s National Women’s Basketball Team.
Ogwumike had petitioned FIBA to grant her eligibility to compete for Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics later this month though she has competed for Team USA at previous FIBA World Cups. She was denied based on “substantial involvement” with Team USA for a decade. (Click highlighted text to view story)
FIBA could have ruled in favour of Ogwumike as such a move falls in line with the body’s position to give a player the chance to switch nationalities provided the switch helps the growth of basketball in that country.
In response, the NBBF stated in a letter addressed to FIBA, “We do tacitly believe there are undercurrents and motivation for such a decision which is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience. It is also out rightly discriminatory because players of African descent are approved to play for other countries constantly but the reverse is not the case.”
Ogwumike and her younger sister Chiney were both released by Team USA clearing the way for them to play for Nigeria-country of their parents. Both sisters are expected to appeal the ruling at CAS. (Click highlighted text to view story)
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
