Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Nigeria Reacts to Being Paired With USA, France, Japan

The Nigeria Basketball Federation says it is optimistic despite being pitted against world number one, USA, France and host-Japan.

The four nations were paired in Group B of the Women’s Basketball Tournament during the draw that was held on Tuesday, February 2, in Switzerland.

Reacting to the draws conducted, the Federation said on its official social media handles that it is focused on preparing the teams well for the challenges ahead in their quest to make Nigerians proud.

The Federation President, Engr Musa Kida said all the 12 teams at the Olympics have a reasonable chance of winning the tournament, hence there are no minnows.

“Nothing good can be handed to you on a platter of gold. You have to work hard and be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes because to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

The 12 teams, including host-Japan qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Women’s Basketball Tournament in February last year through the four FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments held in Belgium, France and Serbia. Sixteen teams participated in the qualifying tournaments for the 12 slots.

For his part, head coach of the senior women’s team, Otis Hughley described USA and world number five- France as familiar foes.

“We met USA and France at the last World Cup in Spain and again faced USA at the Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Serbia last year where we qualified for the Olympics.”

He added, “We are mindful of the threat these teams pose to us including Japan who are ranked 10th in the FIBA ranking. We are going to prepare adequately to ensure that when the time comes, we will be ready.”

Coach Otis led the D’Tigress to the quarter finals of the 2018 World Cup thereby setting an African record before winning the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket championship by defeating host nation Senegal 60-55.

Nigeria’s Point Guard Ezinne Kalu was named MVP of the competition.

The 2021 Olympics games will be held between July 23 and August 8, 2021 after its initial postponement due to COVID-19.