Kebbi State-born D’Tigress player, Mojanatu Musa, has said she considers herself a one-star general following the victory of the female national basketball team at the just concluded FIBA Afrobasket championship in Yaounde, Cameroon. In this interview with Daily Trust, the First Bank of Lagos star disclosed that her journey in sports began with the game of football but she later switched to basketball because there was no female football team to play when she returned to Birnin Kebbi from Lagos. The former Air Warriors player also said she is prepared to break through barriers to become a successful basketballer.
How and when did you start playing basketball?
I started in 2015 in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State when I was schooling at Government Girls’ College. At first, I was playing football in Lagos but I later returned to Kebbi. When I arrived in Birnin-Kebbi, I didn’t get a football team to play with so I decided to switch to basketball. I love the game and my interest grew from there onwards. I have completely fallen in love with basketball and I hardly think of football again. However, I still believe I can play football anytime I want to do so.
How has the journey been for you since your switch to basketball?
I faced a lot of challenges. From day one, it was hard for me but I kept pushing and my parents were most supportive of me. We all know what athletes, especially the female athletes in Nigeria go through due to several factors. Sometimes, we can get demoralized by certain events around us but the love and passion we have keep us going against all odds. It’s really tough but God has always come through for me one way or the other.
Still talking about challenges, how did you combine your sport with academics?
I am done with secondary school and looking to go to University soon. That is another challenge because schools in Nigeria pay less emphasis on sports. We know how it is done in other countries but there is less attention to sports and that alone drained me. It wasn’t easy for me during my secondary school days. I just did what I loved doing. Both took my time and I had to juggle both at the same time. It was really tough but thank God, that phase is over.
What went through your mind when you were invited to play for the D’Tigress?
When I got the call to represent the D’Tigress, I was very happy. I said to myself that I will give my best when we get to Cameroon and bring the trophy back which we did. I was thinking it would be difficult in Cameroon but believe me, everything was good and fantastic starting from the players, coaches and fans. I am very happy that we were able to bring home the trophy.
Could you briefly share your experience in Cameroon with other Nigerians?
It was a great experience as I learnt a lot from the other more experienced players that I met at the championship. Since it was my first time out there, I used the opportunity to learn quickly. It was such a fantastic experience that I will never forget in my life. I will always cherish those moments. I can now say I am a one-star general with an Afrobasket gold medal.
You just said you are now a one-star general. But before now, did you win any medals?
In 2019, I won the Zenith Bank Women basketball league title with Air Warriors. I was also the Most Valuable Player. I won the best rebounder, best block shot. I have won a lot of other awards that I can’t begin to mention now. But we are not there yet. The road is still far and insha Allah, we will get there.
So currently, which club do you play for?
I play for First Bank of Lagos. I just signed for them recently. I was with Air Warriors last year
What made you leave Air Warriors who are the champions to join First Bank?
Actually, it was a change of environment and I just wanted to go back home. My parents are in Lagos where we have lived for a long time. I just want to be close to home. Maybe I should add that I missed home and the ambience of being in Lagos. The Lagos life just refused to leave me (laughter)
Going forward, what is the next thing for you?
We are looking forward to the Zenith basketball league which we expect to dunk off soon Insha Allahu. I look forward to winning as many medals as possible in the game. I want to see everything on my neck and I know I have to train hard and I believe God will help me see my dreams come true. Like I said earlier, it won’t be easy but we will get there.
Talking about training, can you give us an insight into your training regime?
I personally jog alone, go for morning workouts and in the evening, just get a basketball court to play if I am not with my teammates. That is basically what I do every day. I have wonderful coaches who have always kept me on my toes. They don’t teach me just the basics of the game, they teach me how to be successful in life. I think I am blessed to have them around me from the national team to the club level.
Thank you for your time and we wish you the best in your future endeavours.
Thank you also.
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