By Joe Apu
One of Nigeria’s point guard, Jeremiah Mordi has set his sight on making a return to D’Tigers as Nigeria prepares for the forthcoming 2024 FIBA Men’s Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournament due to hold in Lagos from 12 to 20 August 2023.
Still smarting from leading the London Lightning team to earn their sixth National Basketball League of Canada title Friday recently after they defeated the Windsor Express in game five of their best-of-five series, 126-88; Mordi has expressed his desire to rejoin the Nigeria national team.
Jeremiah Mordi led the Bolts with 37 points and recorded just the second triple-double in league history by adding 13 rebounds and 10 assists in the final game.
Speaking after the game, Mordi told our correspondent that he feels wonderful to have won a professional title noting that the win has helped him to boost his confidence level.
“It’s a feeling of great accomplishment winning a championship on the professional level and being one of the team leaders. I’m especially grateful my parents were able to make the trip and watch me achieve one of my greatest accomplishments thus far.
“Immediately after the game I surprisingly saw my mom at the courtside and went to meet her,” he stated with excitement.
Nigeria, he said was unfortunate to have missed qualification for the 2023 FIBA World Cup but believes that the 2024 FIBA Men’s Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournament is a great opportunity for Nigeria to make up and grab a ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, really worked hard to see that the team qualified but we were unfortunate as we lost some key games that would have kept us in contention.
“As for me, I will make myself available for selection to help contribute to Nigeria’s qualification. D’Tigers has quality players around the world that can make the qualification possible. Together, we can make it happen.”