Despite the 39 points (108-69) loss to Australia on Wednesday, he says only international conspiracy can stop the team from winning a medal at the Games, assuring that giving a level-playing field, D’Tigers would win a medal.
Udezue said all indices still point to a Nigerian success in Tokyo, adding that the players and coaches were primed for great things.
“I have always predicted a break. This is the first time we will have a world calibre coach; and if you look at the team, the oldest player is about 30… they are fresh young and very athletic,” he said on Wednesday in Lagos.
“I will be surprised if they don’t win medals in Tokyo. I also think there will be many forces working against them from the international community because Nigeria is seen a nursery for these big nations. Many of these international programmes are not designed to see Africa on top. Africa is beneficial to many people when the continent is down and they will not like to lose their hold on the continent.
“I was an athlete and my experience taught me that most developed countries see Africa as a farm for talents and it will only remain a farm as long as it is down. If Africa rises, the Europeans will lose. Where will they get their talents? Look at the big countries with many championship laurels; most of their athletes are from Africa. The French football team is primarily African and they will want to remain on top by keeping Africa down.”
Udezue urged the national teams to remain focused even in face of distractions, saying they have the talents to get to a podium finish in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Australia basketball team head coach, Brian Goorjian, says still respect Nigeria, despite a 39-point (108-69) ‘blowout’ in their Pre-Olympic exhibit game early Wednesday.
The Boomers ended D’Tigers winning streak, claiming their third win of the four match Las Vegas exhibition series.
