D’Tigers return from China Thursday

Nigeria’s D’Tigers will on Thursday return home after qualifying the country for Tokyo 2020 Olympics at the just ended FIBA World Cup  in China.
The team is expected to touch down at 3pm at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
Having finished in 17th place at the World Cup, the Alex Nwora-led side will be home to the joy of followers of basketball in the country.
Nigeria after falling to Russia and Argentina in her first two games picked wins against North Korea in her last group game, Ivory Coast in the first classification game and host China for the Olympic ticket.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, after the D’Tigers booked the Olympic ticket.
The NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida, said putting up a good show would not have been possible without the fatherly roles of President Buhari and the Minister.
Kida revealed that Federal Government through the Minister called minutes before the win or burst game to encourage the team as well as brace them up for the challenge ahead.
He said: “The Minister called before the game and he actually gave a message for the team which I conveyed to them. He called before the game, which gave the boys enough motivation stepping onto the court with 200 million Nigerians behind them.”
Meanwhile, Argentina and France have advanced to the semifinals after recording victories over Serbia and USA respectively.