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* Promises to develop Sports in State
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Bar Lloyd Ike-Ekwerenmadu, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, received Chief Chiedozie Nwoye, the assistant coach of Nigeria’s senior basketball team, D’Tigers, in his office in Enugu PeakNews Online reports.
Nwoye recently returned from the Afrobasket qualifiers in Libya, where the team secured victories in all three games to earn a spot in the finals set to take place in Angola later this year.
Expressing his excitement, Commissioner Ekwerenmadu commended Nwoye’s inclusion in the national team, describing it as a positive reflection of the progress being made in Enugu State basketball.
“Seeing you here, I am very happy that you arrived in good health. You have shown great character and represented us well. You are a true ambassador of Enugu State,” Ekwerenmadu stated.
He further emphasized the significance of Nwoye’s appointment, noting that it highlights the recognition of the coach’s contributions to the sport.
“Your inclusion in the Afrobasket qualifiers team shows that your efforts have been acknowledged. We will continue to support you and others in elevating basketball in our state to the level it deserves. I am proud of you,” he added.
The commissioner also extended his appreciation to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for selecting Nwoye as part of the national coaching staff, stating that the recognition was long overdue.
“With all that Coach Chiedozie Nwoye has done for basketball in Enugu State, it is safe to say that his call-up to the national team was well deserved. I sincerely appreciate the NBBF for giving him this platform. Thank you to NBBF President, Engr. Musa Ahmadu Kida, and the South East representative on the board, Ugo Udezue,” he said.
Ekwerenmadu reiterated Enugu State’s commitment to working with the NBBF to develop basketball at both the state and national levels.
“We are ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Basketball Federation as we contribute our quota to the growth of the sport, starting from Enugu and expanding to the South East and Nigeria as a whole,” he assured.
In response, Coach Nwoye expressed gratitude for the warm reception, pledging to continue working towards the advancement of basketball in Enugu State and beyond. He also extended his thanks to the NBBF President, Engr. Musa Ahmadu Kida, for the trust and opportunity given to him.
As a token of appreciation, a D’Tigers jersey signed by all players who participated was presented to the Commissioner Ekwerenmadu.
