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NSC Salutes Sarah Ogoke as She Retires from D’Tigress in France
*Team concludes outing at FIBA World Cup qualifiers with defeat against Germany
Former D’Tigress Captain, Sarah Ogoke, 35, received plaudits from the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), as she officially retires from the team at a colourful ceremony organised by Xejet, the official partners of the Nigeria senior women’s basketball team in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France on Monday.
Sarah Ogoke, OON, who first played for the Nigerian senior basketball team in 2017, is a five times Afrobasket champion with the D’Tigress. She also won silver and bronze medals at the 2011 and 2015 All African Games for Nigeria.
She’s leaving the team as as an accomplished Medical Doctor, a mother and Wife.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who was physically present at the ceremony in Lyon said the entire country is very proud of Sarah Ogoke’s achievements in over one decade as a national team player.
”We are so proud of you as a Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is also very proud of you for all you have given to the country.
”Another person who is also extremely proud of you is our mother, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who connects so much with how well you have inspired millions of women and girl-child all over Nigeria and beyond with your shared resilience, determination and purpose as a player, a mother , a wife and a doctor.
”I am particularly happy to witness this event here in Lyon and I want to thank the leadership of the NBBF and their sponsors, Xejet, for putting this together to honour and celebrate you for all you have done for our great Nation.
”It even gladens my heart more that you are retiring at a time like this where we have a President who does not joke with the wellbeing of Nigerian athletes and this is why you are retiring with a national honour and other incentives,” concludes the NSC Chairman.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also said Sarah Ogoke is a living legend in Nigerian basketball whose inspiring story is a perfect picture to inspire the next generation of Nigerian athletes across boards.
”We don’t have too many of Sarah Ogoke around and for us at the NSC, you mirror what Nigerian sports should truly look like. You excelled in all you do combining successful sports career with quality education as a medical doctor and a successful married life.
”You are truly a big asset to Nigerian basketball and sports generally and you might have retired from active playing in the national team but we will continue to draw from your expertise as a commission”, the NSC DG stated.
The D’Tigress hopes of a benefiting send forth didn’t work to plan as the
Germany edged the Nigerian ladies 81–73 in their final Group A clash. The German ladies late execution and a fourth-quarter surge ultimately secured the win for the Europeans.
D’Tigress who have already secured their place in the Finals in Berlin, Germany can take positives from the display but will need to sharpen shooting and execution ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for September from 4 through 13.
