Despite finishing ninth over-all in the just concluded 29th Africa Champions Cup for Men held in Tunis, Tunisia, Nigeria’s sole representative at the competition Mark Mentors basketball club have receive praises from various basketball stakeholders across Nigeria.
The Peter Ahmedu tutored Mentors who debuted at the continent biggest men club championship failed to made it to the knock-out stages after starting it group-B campaign on a promising note with a 68-65 points win over Abidjan Basket Club of Cote d’Ivoire but subsequently faltered in the group remaining games.
The Nigerian side also defeated Malabo Kings basketball club of Equatorial Guinea to finish ninth after getting a full dosage of what it takes to play among the biggest teams across Africa.
Mark Mentors chairman, Igoche Mark was singled out by stakeholders for remaining steadfast and believing in the ability of the team that came into limelight two seasons ago.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijjani Umar while speaking on a live radio programme on Monday said the team did well at the continental championship.
The NBBF boss, however, believed that Mentors would have finish among the top-four if it had the needed experience and exposure but says the team must have learnt one or two lessions from the Tunisia Champions Cup won by Angola Clube Recreativo E Desportivo Do Libolo.
Umar called on all stakeholders in the game to play it’s part so that Nigeria teams (clubs and national teams) can benefit more from activities that would propel the game to a higher level in Nigeria.
He concluded that 2015 will be a more challenging year for Nigeria as there are more continental championships that Nigeria would enter at national and club levels.
Former head coach of the senior national men’s team, Ayodele Bakare urged people to understand that Mark mentors made its debut at the African stage and finishing ninth was not a bad result.
“I understand people’s expectation from Mentors but sincerely, it is not easy on the international stage, especially for first-timers as Mark Mentors were. Let us appreciate what they have been able to do, commend and encourage them. I am sure they have learnt a lot and will do much better as time goes on. And thanks to them, Nigeria’s flag was hoisted at that tournament and the country was represented, Bakare opined.
Vice-president of the NBBF, Muktar Khaleh on his part said Nigerians need to appreciate what the mentors have achieved; we must not forget it’s their first time out there. The team must have learnt a lot at the championship and for sure they will register a better performance the next time they get there. Kodus guys.
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