D’ Tigers Boss’ Resignation Shocks Coaches

Basketball coaches have expressed shock at the announced resignation of the D’Tigers coach, Ayo Bakare, after their last Group A match against France at the ongoing London Olympic Games.

Bakare, who qualified the national men’s basketball team to its first Olympics, resigned on Monday following their elimination from the Games with a 73-79 loss to France.

He has yet to formalise the resignation by submitting his letter to the nation’s basketball governing body, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

The team had in their opening game at the competition, defeated African champions, Tunisia 60-56 and then lost to Lithuania 53-72 and the U.S. 156-73. They also lost 93-79 to Argentina.

Bakare, a FIBA licenced coach said: “In the next one month, I will be serving the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) my notice as I am no longer interested in the job’’.

The Head Coach of Kada Stars of Kaduna, Sani Turi, told newsmen that Bakare’s resignations came as a surprise, describing his qualification to the Olympic Games as heroic.

“It’s unfortunate he resigned because for the first time, he qualified us for the Olympics which is a commendable stride.

“What he did was heroic. Historically, he has become the first coach to have ever taken us to the Games with D’Tigers being the first African side to win a match in their debut.

“My prayer is that whoever will take up his position will continue from where he stopped because he has done a great job,” Turi said.