D’Tigers’ forward, Oguchi backs coach Voigt to take team to new height

Forum 7 years ago

D’Tigers’ forward, Oguchi backs coach Voigt to take team to new height

D’Tigers and Soles de Mexicali forward, Chamberlain Oguchi has backed coach of the Nigerian side, Will Voigt to guide the team to another FIBA AfroBasket triumph next year in Congo Brazzaville.

Oguchi who joined Mexican side, from Polish club, Anwil Wloclawek two months ago, says the 40-year-old gaffer has the tactical prowess to inject fresh players and make the team more formidable ahead of the tournament.

In an interview with FIBA.com, the player also added that he will be prepared to offer strategies if Nigeria gets the nod to host the 2023 World Cup.

According to him, “Coach Voigt is a good fit for Nigeria basketball because of his humility and vast basketball knowledge.

“He embraces the Nigerian culture and people as if he had Nigerian blood in his veins. Along with that, coach Voigt possesses the tactical prowess that Nigeria basketball teams have historically lacked.

“Nigerians love basketball. Should Nigeria host the 2023 World Cup it would be an amazing event. I believe it is feasible if the appropriate people were delegated to help organize and carry out such an event. I’m sure Shane Lawal, the Aminu brothers, Ike Diogu, myself, and others could come up with some brilliant strategies if given the opportunity.”

Oguchi said there is no regrets over his participation at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil but expressed disappointed that the Nigerian team could only manage just one win in the tournament having lost four games.

“I personally don’t have any regrets. I played my heart out for my country as well as the men beside me, and for that I hold no regrets. Without a doubt the positives outweighed the negatives during my 2016 Olympic experience.

“Although disappointed in the end result (Nigeria won once and lost four games), more often than not the journey tends to be more gratifying than the wins and losses.

“Considering that I’m my biggest and toughest critic, I’m rarely ever satisfied with my performances. However, that’s what Tokyo 2020 is for.”