Nigerian Basketball commends IOC for postponing Tokyo Olympics

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has commended the International Olympic Committee’s decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games until next year.

Following a meeting between the committee and the government of Japan via video conferencing on Tuesday, the Fames was postponed for another one year as the world combat the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement issued by NBBF President, Musa Kida, he commended the IOC for taking such a bold but difficult decision to postpone an iconic event for the good and safety of the world.

“Postponement of the Olympics is the right step taken at such a critical time because as the saying goes, nothing is worth human life,” said Kida

Read Also: OFFICIAL: Olympic Committee, Japanese govt agree to postpone Tokyo 2020 to next year

“We know this decision will come at an additional cost to sponsors, vendors, the government of Japan, participating countries and their athletes, but it is a necessary step.”

Kida said if we have to protect the human existence as it is currently known, there is need for governments around the world to come around, unite and fight the pandemic which till now has no known cure.

“At this crucial time, we must realise that only those who are alive can play basketball. We must place premium value on our lives and pay attention to our hygiene. Constantly washing of hands and the use of sanitizers can also stem the spread,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s senior basketball men and women’s teams have already qualified for the 2020 Olympics.

The Tokyo Games was earlier scheduled to hold between Friday, July 24 and Saturday, August 9, 2020, but will now take place in a yet be decided date in 2021.

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