NBBF slams Nigeria’s corporate world over D’Tigress sponsorship

Pius Ayinor

The Nigeria Basketball Federation is sad over what has been described as corporate Nigeria’s lack of appreciation for the achievements made by players, especially ladies. The NBBF is quite disappointed that despite the laudable achievements of the women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress great achievements acknowledged across the globe, getting quality sponsorship for the team remains very challenging.

Ugo Udezue, the Chairman of the NBBF’s Marketing Committee who spoke on behalf of the federation told journalists in Lagos he is deeply saddened by the way organizations in Nigeria treat the women’s team.

He said, “Let’s move over to football first as I believe it will help us to under the situation better. The Super Falcons are the most successful football team in Nigeria, but do they get real-time sponsorship? The answer is no, as we know the corporate world tilts exceptionally towards men.

“This is the case with D’Tigress, and this is even worse than imagined. Each time these ladies step out for a competition they always leave there with a record. They have done well on the continent and at the world level. Let’s review their performance last year at the Olympics against the world greats. They finished well to the joy of Nigerians, but still, you have to keep introducing them to the corporate world like they are rookies. No, these are achievers. The only thing standing against them is that they are ladies, and they are a part of the so-called lesser sports in Nigeria.”

Even though Udezue, who is also the CEO of AFA Sports, feels so saddened by the situation with the women’s teams, especially D’Tigress, he has good words for those who have gone the extra mile to make Nigerian ladies smile.

“On that note, we can never take for granted a company like Zenith Bank. They have been sponsors of women’s basketball in Nigeria for more than 20 years. That is awesome. And they are happy doing it.”

The Chairperson of the federation’s Women’s League Committee Perpetual Clement prays that things would change for the better.

“I was so happy with the performance of our ladies (D’Tigress) at the Olympics. I was not only excited by how close they were to getting a medal but I was certain that they had marketed themselves to corporate Nigeria very well. But here we are.

“D’Tigress team is a brand. I expect sponsors to chase them and not the other way. I just hope that someday some people will see this team with the right perspective.”

There is a huge Homecoming Tournament in Abuja this month for the team, but the international event that includes Togo and Kenya is deeply faced with sponsorship apathy despite huge efforts to raise the needed funds. Ironically, it was a lot easier for the federation to raise funds for the men’s competition that was held two years ago at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. The men have not achieved even a quarter of the ladies’ performance.