On The Club Won It’s 1st Afrobasket Women’s Match
Linda Ogugua, a former Nigerian basketball player who represented the country from the early 1990s, has recalled with pride how the D’Tigress won their first AfroBasket Women’s Championship in 2003, defeating hosts Mozambique 69–63 in a tense final in Maputo. She said the team’s victory was built on disciplined defence, swift fast breaks, resilience under pressure, and an unshakable belief in themselves. In the dying minutes of the game, with the Mozambican crowd roaring, Nigeria held their nerve, making crucial steals and sinking decisive baskets to seal the win. “It wasn’t just about talent, it was about heart. Every player on that court wanted it badly. And when the buzzer went, we knew we had done it for ourselves and for every young girl who would dream of wearing the green and white,” she said.
Ogugua, who notably featured in the Harare All-African Games and was part of that historic AfroBasket victory under coach Sam Vincent, where Nigeria’s female team also qualified for the Olympics for the first time, made the appeal in an interview where she reflected on her career and the state of basketball in Nigeria.
A product of the home-based system, Ogugua played for clubs like First Bank, Customs, and Platu Ross before earning a scholarship to Biola University in the United States. She remains committed to grassroots basketball development and continues to advocate for better recognition and support for athletes who have served the nation.
Speaking on the recent rewards given to Nigeria’s female basketball team by President Bola Tinubu, Ogugua expressed her approval. “No. The reason I say so is because I know we’ve never been, those of us that have continued to fly the flag in different arenas, it depends on who is leading. I remember when we won our own in Mozambique in 2003, I guess we were told to go back to our destination. I was still in school, and I remember the team officials taking some home days to see President Obasanjo. And I guess the news we heard was like, ‘Sports is a hobby.’”
She described that moment as disappointing but said she is impressed by the current recognition. “From my own experience, in some ways athletes have not seen that much support, for it to happen at this time, the only thing we have to say is it’s a good thing, and we hope it will continue. Probably somebody will remember those of us that have done it before and do something in remembrance, because it’s always good to keep the spirit up for the past, for the present, and for the future.”
Ogugua believes the gesture will inspire younger players. “A lot of young girls will want to play basketball seeing everything that has happened, even in a short while. Some of these players that have been rewarded this time around, sometimes two years ago, they weren’t taken care of and whatnot. So this is a good thing to see, and I hope it continues, not just during Tinubu’s time, but extends beyond that.”
On the issue of support, Ogugua explained that recognition has often only come after victories, not during the preparation stages. “You just said it. Nobody recognised us. We were the first team to compete and win the championship in Mozambique, the same AfroBasket in 2003 under coach Sam Vincent. That year, we qualified to play for the Olympics. Nothing was done. After winning, my mind was going back to college and finishing my education, because that’s what my dad wanted, and I had to honour that. But most competitions that we represented Nigeria in, you just come back and go back to your normal place.”
She noted that although allowances were given during camp, there was little long-term investment in players. “I wish even Nigeria gave young kids scholarships to go to school in Nigeria. Those are the things that will motivate more young athletes to join. But every management is different, so I just hope that we’re able to see this path that Tinubu has started. Sports should be recognised, and we should be rewarded because it’s not just public service. Yes, we do it because we like it, but it’s also a job.”
Ogugua also addressed the balance between pride and financial incentives in representing the nation. “Having worn the Nigeria Jersey since 1990, the first time I played in the women’s championship was when we were preparing for the Harare All-African Games. Just hearing your name being among the national team is something you can never… it’s like a dream come true. We weren’t really looking forward to the reward, but if it comes, it’s a good thing. And for the fact that some of us were in school, and some of the people playing with us were already parents with families to cater for, when good things are done in return, so many people will want to do it more.”
She added that she would gladly do it all over again. “When we were doing it and not seeing anything, the hope was that someday, somebody would remember. And Tinubu has remembered these young kids now. None of us can say it’s a bad thing to do. They earned it because they went out there and gave their hearts out.”
Ogugua expressed concern over the reduced chances for home-based players in the national setup, stressing that they should get equal recognition and rewards when they contribute to victories. “It’s unfortunate that home-based players are not given much of a chance. In my days, we had regular competitions that kept us going. I think the NBBF should go back to the drawing board and create grassroots opportunities, just like I was given. Emmanuel Chagu did it for my set, he brought me from Kogi State down to Lagos. I knew nothing about basketball except for representing my high school. My real exposure came through Emmanuel Chagu. Those home-based players who help secure victories should be celebrated the same way as the foreign-based players. Equal recognition motivates everyone to give their best.”
During her playing days, there was a balance between local and foreign-based athletes. “We had six home-based players and six foreign-based players mixing together. Those athletes at home who gave everything in the beginning to qualify should also be given opportunities. It was through such opportunities that I made it to Biola University. That school saw me. I had NCAA offers, but visa issues stopped me from attending. The NBBF should do better to recognise home-based players. We can still build a winning team while cultivating a culture from the start. Most of us started from home, and that wouldn’t change anything.”
On whether the Basketball Federation itself is a problem, Ogugua replied: “Well, if you call it a problem, it’s a problem, because when management is not tapping all corners of the organisation, something is wrong. You see people walk out, you see coaches putting in their best, how do you give them opportunities through competitions? Definitely, put up trainings for the coaches. You can bring in foreign coaches, I don’t have a problem with that, but if someone is already working from home, give them the opportunity to be better. When a minister gets a job, he doesn’t go to London to get a PA, he recruits from here. Why can’t we emulate that?”
She urged the leadership to adopt a more inclusive approach. “Yes, you want to build a winning team, but build it the right way. The least we could have is maybe two players coming from America because they’re already in school there, give those kids a chance. I’m a product of home base, and I would never look down on any home-based player, because if given the same opportunities, we have everything it takes to be better players. I did it, and someone else’s son can do it too. For me, no matter how we structure things, management needs to go back to the drawing board and do the right thing.”
Ogugua concluded by expressing her gratitude for the platform. “Really a pleasure and an honour to be on the show.”
By Benprince Ezeh
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