AfroBasket 2017 : Expect tough challenges against D’ Tigers – Awojobi

Tunji Awojobi, former Nigeria national team captain has called on African champions, D’ Tigers of Nigeria to expect tough challenges in the defence of the title they won in 2015.

Awojobi, still smarting from a recent honour by his former team in Israel on Tuesday stated that the likes of Angola, Egypt, Tunisia and Senegal would come out fighting.

The 2004 Eurobasket league champion described D’ Tigers win in 2015 as being without glory and pride as it was without any home-based player and pointed out that players from the local league deserve a place in the national team. “Winning the AfroBasket in 2015 only brought the trophy to Nigeria but it was without glory or pride. There is a big difference and we must understand that.”   

The living legend, Awojobi better known as ‘Georgia Power’, by his fans and admirers was recognized for his achievements along with his former Israeli teammates at Crown Plaza Hotel Ballroom, Jerusalem on the 27th of June, 2017

Awojobi played with Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club and was key to their victory over Real Madrid in 2004, at the finals, surrounded by Israeli brothers, teammates, the Mayor, officials and other  special guests; all gathered to celebrate Jerusalem’s 50th Anniversary.

Awojobi showed his gratitude towards inviting him for such a glorious occasion. But amidst all these, the legendary athlete remembered how he represented his country Nigeria on and off the basketball court, with no single form of remembrance.

Charles David who hails from Imo State, Nigeria was involved in a ghastly ahead on collision motor accident in May, 1991 on his way to Lagos State for the World Junior Championships, that was held in Edinburgh, Canada. He played for Kano Pillars. Alongside Tunji Awojobi, they defeated Angola away at the finals the previous year, (1990) and he was said to be a star at the competition.

David has been crippled since that fateful day since the accident threw a blow to his spinal cord. He currently resides at Benin City, Edo State.

“I played with Charles David. He was on the national team with me in the early 90’s when we went to Angola and we beat them at the final in front of their crowd. He was my roommate. He got into an accident when coming from Kano to national camp. He would have made that World Cup team. No one remembers him. And they know him. He played for Pillars.

“I only played for this Israeli team only 8 months. See what they did for me. I still can’t believe it. There are more events. I played for my country for over 20 years. Nothing to show for it and no love. No love for the home based players. Period! They (home based players) are the pillars of Nigerian sport. They are the only players who can help the game grow in our country. Angola played with their Angola born players. Look at their records in Africa.”

Despite the non recognition, Awojobi said he looks forward to changes in Nigerian basketball. “I hope to see a program that will be put in place to develop young players in our country. Not a program to steal money. And not clinics to make money off these young innocent players. Toyin Sonoiki was a big help in my Basketball ride. He had what they call “passion” for the game.

from The Sun News http://ift.tt/2utt4U4
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