Less than two years after five boys in the national U-16 team were suspended over age issues in Benin Republic in 2013, Nigeria has again fallen foul of the rules following the suspension of three Nigerian girls in the on-going 2015 FIBA Africa U-16 Women Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

According to a circular signed by the FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bile on Monday, stated that the technical application of the  FIBA Internal Regulation governing eligibility of players found the Nigeria players culpable.

Quoting provisions H1.1 Admissions and respect of the General statutes and Internal regulation; H1.2 Responsibility of the National federation concerning the eligibility of players, FIBA Africa stated that after examination and approval of the results of age control in Antananarivo for the “FIBA Africa U16 Women 2015” ; – Considering that the results revealed three (3) positive cases.

It stated that in accordance of the regulation dispositions Article E.5.3.3.3 points f. et g. of FIBA internal regulation The Technical Committee decides: Art. 1 : The players hereunder are suspended of the above mentioned competition from the 10/07/2015.

Accordingly, the players suspended are Okoli Maureen Chidimma, Daniel Menan Denis and Okoye Ifunanya Rosemary all of Nigeria.

The circular further stated that the Technical Committee is transmitting the file to FIBA Africa executive Committee to open a disciplinary case against the listed players and their national federation in this case the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

The suspension thus reduces the playing rotation of the Nigerian team coached by Adeka Daudu to just 9 but the  Nigerian U-16 basketball women’s team defeated Egypt 54-52 in their opening campaign of the 2015 FIBA Africa U-16 Women Championship in Madagascar.

The Egyptians took the lead in the first quarter of the game at the Palais des Sports Mahamasina but the Nigerian counterpart turned the table around in the second quarter with 11-6 lead.

Returning from the half-time break 20-26, the Nigerian girls raised their game to win 23-16 and 11-10 in the third and fourth quarters to win the match.

Rita James lead all scorers with 19 points, with Ene Adams adding 10 points and 13 rebounds and Onome James- Akinbode clearing the boards with 10 rebounds in addition to 3 points as Nigeria came from a first quarter slump (9-20 points) to rebound (11-6)(23-16)(11-10) in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters to overcome 3 time Runners up Egypt in their opening game.

Umar said he was hoping the team’s players would see the competition as a learning process and use it very well.

“They should just remain focused and enjoy the game.

“The position of the NBBF is that the team is not taking part in the competition to win at all cost, but to use it as a platform of getting future players of the senior team,” he said.