From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos
The lack of adequate facilities has been said to be the sole reason why Nigeria is yet to host any NBA games according to the deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, National Basketball Association, NBA, Mark Tatum.
While speaking to newsmen, Tatum stressed that a world class facility would have to be built to host an NBA game in Nigeria as they have hosted three games in Africa.
“In respect to the game, I get calls from these guys (Africa partners) everyday, it will happen, there is no doubt, first of all, we got to play exhibition on the continent already. Three games we have played on the continent so far.
“I will tell you that we love to play here in Nigeria, we need a world class facility to host the NBA game. There is no doubt giving the important of the continent to NBA, at some point, we will begin to start here on the continent, specifically and hopefully in Nigeria,” he said.
Also, NBA Africa CEO, Victor Williams attested that the visit of deputy commissioner to Nigeria show the degree of the value NBA have to the country, adding that plans would soon be underway to establish NBA stores in Nigeria.
“We have plans to open NBA stores in the continent including Nigeria, we will engaging some of friends, stakeholders about, it will happens some point, we will be working on plans to that happen, but yet we are excited bringing NBA merchandise and accessories to Nigeria with the significant market here, a lot of people will be excited to visit that store and patronize it,” he said.
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