Nigeria will compete in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup holding in Manila, Philippines from June 8-12, 2018 after being awarded a wild card by the Federation of International Basketball Associations, FIBA. This was contained in letter sent to the Nigeria Basketball Federation by FIBA 3×3 Development Manager, Robert Rieblinger.
The 3×3 team captained by Abdul Yahaya to their first FIBA Africa 3×3 Nations cup title in Lome, Togo recently were deemed to be in good standing to be awarded a wildcard. Nigeria is currently ranked 5th in Africa and 67th in the world and will be making their first appearance at the world stage in the 3×3 world cup which started this year in France.
Factional President of the NBBF, Engr Musa Kida thanked FIBA for the privilege accorded the federation and its players to be part of the 2018 world cup.
“As part of our campaign promises, we will endeavor to expose our talents home and abroad to the best opportunities to improve their skills and become great. The promised exposure can only be possible through participation in international events such as this.”
“With another round of camping, travelling and participation of our 3×3 team at the world cup already on the card, it means we will need more money to actualize these plans. The government alone cannot fund sports, so we will be reaching out to corporate organizations and individuals to partner the federation ahead of a busy 2018 basketball calendar.” Kida concluded.
