Former D’Tigress coach, Sam Vincent has finally responded to his sack by the NBBF, hitting back at the federation and its President for perceived incompetence.
Vincent was sacked on Thursday for negligence per NBBF, but the two times Afrobasket championship winner, expressed displeasure with his former employers, whom he claimed also showed lack of transparency in their overall conduct.
In a statement made available to Brila.net the erstwhile Coach alleged NBBF President, Musa Kida ran a one-man show and unilaterally rejected lucrative deals for D’Tigress in favor of an existing deal – which Kida has vested interest.
Here is the Full Statement :
I am writing to express my shock and disbelief to learn via e-mail that President Musa Kida made a decision to release me from my coaching duties and blame it on false accusations and concerns that were never brought to my attention.
My commitment to developing the Nigeria women’s national team has never been stronger and preparing them for the upcoming World Cup in Spain has been my priority since February 2018. I have never allowed any distraction to deter my focus from our goal of achieving a medal in Spain and making Nigeria and Africa proud.
Following the successful first place finish in the 2017 Africa Nations tournament and training camp, which was based in Orlando, Florida there was an understanding that 2018 training camp would return to Orlando.
The decision to relocate training camp to Atlanta from my base in Orlando only 30 days before the start of camp created some logistical and professional challenges. I addressed the professional and logistical conflicts with several board members and was assured after discussing the details it was approved by the Federation.
The 2018 camping started in a strained atmosphere because our women had previously worked with Mfon Udoka, as General Manager, who they respected and enjoyed working with and we`re trying to understand why she was replaced. Furthermore, the new General Manager Macbene Amacree was having difficulty building team chemistry and was at odds with the team, and receiving multiple complaints as evidenced by the attached letter and signatures from all the players.
My objective for the 2018 World Cup was to build team chemistry with the players and administration to ensure peak performance could be achieved on the floor, however this summer it was impossible to do based on the following issues:
1. Change in staffing that resulted in poor communication and disgruntled players
2. Divided Board members and President acting alone
3. Lack of funding for players` per diem, medical supplies, and other player rehab related services
4. Lack of proper job descriptions clarifying roles and responsibilities
5. No contract, or agreement in place to finalize expectations or compensation
6. Declined potential Jordan brand sponsorship in preference to use AFA sports
My last correspondence to the President was in reference to a potential sponsorship with Temple Sports and the possibility of them having an interest in assisting us with the development of the team. I never got a response and shortly after received a severance email.
News of Vincent’s sack came 52 days before the commencement of the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria will face Australia (September 22), Turkey (September 23) and Argentina (September 25).
Subsequently, the NBBF have named a Otis Hughley as the team’s new Head Coach.
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