Nigeria has been awarded the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers (FIBAWCQ) in June by FIBA in September in recognition of successful hosting of the last round of qualifiers in June.
The decision to award the hosting rights to Nigeria was contained in a letter sent to the Nigeria Basketball Federation secretariat by FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bile on Friday.
Nigeria currently leading the pack with 12 points is in Group F alongside Senegal, Central Africa, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali.
Reacting to the letter, NBBF President, Musa Kida said winning the hosting right for the second consecutive time will present the D’Tigers the perfect opportunity to continue their unbeaten run in front of their home fans in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
“We are so excited that we have been considered by FIBA to host Group F after we made an impression last time out. This is another opportunity for everybody to play their part in this memorable journey to China.”
“The team will be banking on their home crowd as they hope to extend their unbeaten run against tougher oppositions while the fans will troop out as usual to watch their team play.”
The 2015 Afrobasket champions sit atop group F with 12 points from 6 games while Senegal is second with 11 points.
Central Africa Republic and Rwanda occupy the 3rd and 4th spots with 9 points apiece while Cote d’Ivoire and Mali are both on 8 points.
The Group E games will be hosted in the Tunisian city of Rades.
At the end of the group games, the two highest placed teams from the two groups and the overall third placed team will qualify for the 2019 World cup holding in China.
