Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers Hoopers and Civil Defenders have been drawn against northern sides in the inaugural edition of the FIBA Africa Basketball League.
16 teams across Africa took part in the draws in Abidjan on Saturday.
Rivers Hoopers were drawn in Group A alongside defending champions of the continent, AS Sale of Morocco, JS Kairouan (Tunisia) and S.L.A.C (Guinea).
Civil Defenders will also be facing another northern opponent and 2014 finalist ES Rades of Tunisia, Zone 3 second runner up, Elan Sportif (Benin) and BC Terreur ( DR Congo).
The games will be played in a round robin format from February 8 – March 10 across different African cities. Top 2 teams from each group will advance to the elite 8.
Full draws
Group A: AS Sale (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), JS Kairouan (Tunisia) and S.L.A.C (Guinea)
Group B: ES Rades (Tunisia), Civil, Defenders (Nigeria), Elan Sportif (Benin), BC Terreur ( DR Congo)
Group C: Al Ahly (Egypt), Primeiro De Agosto (Angola) and Ferroviaro Beira (Mozambique) and R.E.G BBC (Rwanda)
Group D: Petro de Luanda (Angola), Smouha (Egypt), ASB Mazembe (DR Congo) and C.O.S.P.N (Madagascar)