Organizers of the Nigeria Bankers Games are predicting keener competition in the remaining fixtures of the 2011 Nigeria Bankers Games which enters Match Day 3 today at the University of Lagos Sports Complex in Akoka. No doubt the motivation to win has received added boost with the announcement of Air Nigeria travel tickets as part of the prizes for teams and individual winners of this year’s edition.

Supporters clubs of Fidelity Bank and Skye Bank are expected in large numbers as their banks square up in against opponents in Group A in a battle of wits that may determine who between the two leads the group after this Saturday’s fixtures. And the battle continues in Group B for the second qualification spot that will determine which team joins run-away leaders, UBA for the knock-out stage from the group.

feeling. “It’s awesome. First, I e-mailed my dad and I told him I was proud to be a Nigerian and he was proud of me too.”

She said the game in Africa is physical and very tough. The match against Mozambique who defeated them earlier in the group stage was something she said surpassed all her experiences in basketball. “I doff my hart for Mozambique fans. They were just wonderful with their drumming and trumpets(vuvuzelas). The crowd inside the hall was electrifying. It surpassed anything I had seen before, not even in the US had seen such a crowd watching a basketball. It was wonderful.”

The lad was full of praise for coach Ayo Bakare who guided them to the bronze. “He was happy too,” Rosalin said. “Our coach hardly laughs but when we won that bronze, I saw him smile for the first time.”

Asked what the bronze medal meant to her, Rosalin said, “It is not a mean feat to win a medal in your first attempt at a continental level. I will cherish this medal for ever. It is like gold for me. Competing for the first time for my country and winning a medal is special.”

She pledged her continued loyalty to Nigeria and she will be ready to serve the country whenever she is called upon. “My loyalty to Nigeria is unquestionable. Once I am here, I am at her service.”

Rosalin is ready for another major assignment with the team which is billed for the African championship holding in Mali in a few days. She said of the assignment, “We remain here(in Maputo) to continue training. We pray we qualify for the Olympics after the tournament.”