A US-based former national basketball player, Rashidat Sadiq, says the administrators of the sport in Nigeria need to revisit the drawing board for its development.
Sadiq said in Ibadan on Wednesday that basketball needs to be competitive enough to produce more players, especially from the grassroots.
Sadiq, an Olympian, represented Nigeria in basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
She said that during her time, Nigeria was put on the map for younger generations to build upon.
“Nigerian female basketball is supposed to be better than what it is, because what we have right now can’t compete overseas and be the best.
“We need to encourage basketball more at the grassroots to identify more raw potential and then grow them adequately,” she said.
She also identified the need for camps, clinics, and local competition to teach and enlighten the players.
“These will give the players more opportunities to harness their full potential.
“The government should prioritise funding of sports and organising more local tournaments.
“They should renovate facilities across the states and ensure that the pieces of equipment in them match current global standards.
“Facilities should, however, be made accessible to everyone interested in basketball and coaches made available to train and guard them rightly.
“Basic basketball needs should be made available; balls should be in excess.
“When I was playing for the national team, a lot of players were dedicated.
“I know there are still a few who are dedicated, but it can be better if they get the necessary support and encouragement,” she said.
According to her, the lack of basketball tournaments in Nigeria is leading to declining basketball skills.
“However, with the right preparations and tools, Nigeria can have a dream team that can compete against and win the United States team, but this has to start from home.
“They need to make preparations, encourage players, and get the home-based players involved, even when they invite professional players.
“Right now, Nigeria is mostly represented by Nigerians born and raised in other nations, and that’s because we are not grooming the homegrown talents well,” she said.
Sadiq played in the United States with the University of Connecticut Huskies and the Oklahoma State Cowgirls.