By;AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
D’Tigress player, Palas Kunaiyi Akpanah has called on relevant authorities to take the issue of grassroots development of women basketball serious in order to improve the game in the country.
According to her, the game is gaining popularity among Nigerian girls even as she expressed optimism that with proper planning , Nigeria will soon dominate the sports in the continent and make a mark at the international arena.
“I’m happy that the game has gained acceptability in the country with many girls showing interest in the slam and dunk game i various states of the Federation which is a sign of good thing to come”, began the Pallacanestro Vigarano of Italy player.
” But for the game to grow above what we are presently experiencing, there is need for aggressive grassroots development of the sports . This will involve taking the game to schools and colleges where young girls will have the opportunity to learn the rudiments of the game as is done in other climes”, she stressed.
Akpanah who made her debut for the national team at the 2019 Pre- Olympic qualifying tournament in Mozambique and was also called up to participate in the 2020 FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade was of the view that with better organised league, Nigeria female basketball will be at par with other countries just as she promised to continue with her grassroots development of the game which she said has led to the discovering of many talented and promising players.
