NSC celebrates Sarah Ogoke as D’Tigress captain retires at 35

The National Sports Commission (NSC), have congratulated former D’Tigress Captain Sarah Ogoke, after she officially announced her retirement from the National team at the age of 35.

Ogoke’s retirement was announced in Lyon, France, on Monday in front of her teammates in a colourful ceremony organised by Xejet, the official partners of the Nigeria senior women’s basketball team.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, NSC, Kehinde Ajayi, on Tuesday.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the entire country is very proud of Sarah and all she has done over one decade as a national team player.

“We are so proud of you as a Commission, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also very proud of you for all you have given to the country.

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“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 gladdens my heart more that you are retiring at a time like this, where we have a President who does not joke with the well-being of Nigerian athletes, and this is why you are retiring with a national honour and other incentives,” he said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, 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 a 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,” he stated.

Sarah Ogoke is a five-time Afrobasket champion with the D’Tigress, a success story that started in 2017.

She now retires from the Nigeria Women’s National Team at the age of 35 as an accomplished medical doctor, a mother and Wife.

The D’Tigress hopes to give her a beneficial send-off with a win over Germany on Tuesday in their final game at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualification tournament in Lyon.