Nigeria's ban to compete in international basketball competitions is lifted / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The Nigerian Federal Government has rescinded its decision to suspend Nigeria's basketball teams from all international competitions.

Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, made this known during a conference in Abuja today.

The ban was supposed to last 2 years, which most likely would have meant that Nigeria would have no chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

According to Abubakar, the latest decision is based on a letter of appeal sent on June 17 from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), signed by Mr. Musa Kida.

Abubakar said the decision was made after concerned stakeholders, former Nigerian international basketball players, and well-meaning Nigerians intervened to seek answers to the problems.

People who showed huge disappointment with Nigeria getting banned from international basketball competitions by its own government included the Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri and Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.

Ujiri has previously opened up about the decision to ban Nigeria in an open letter and pressured Nigerian basketball federation leaders to resign.

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