Nigeria’s Abdul Yahaya says his team wants to do well at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup which will hold between November 9-11 in Lome, Togo.
Yahaya, who led Nigeria to victory at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup in Togo back in 2017 says him and his teammates are not only thinking about winning the tournament again but want to qualify Nigeria for the next Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.
“There’s a whole lot to look ahead to at the Final Round of this year’s FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup. First is our desire and determination to retain the African title we won in 2017 but also to accumulate points that would help us in regards to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”
The Kano Pillars of Nigeria at basketball Player, stressed that every team will be difficult to breakdown because they will up their game against the Nigerians side who are the defending champions.
“There are several teams that have experience from the 3×3 basketball at different levels and it is certain that they would come out very strong this time around. We are the defending champions and it’s no news that other African countries will come really hard on us this time,” he pointed out.
While addressing Nigeria’s outing at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 in the Philippines, he told FIBA.basketball that the has gained valuable exposure and experience which will be valuable and could make the difference for his side in the Africa Cup in Lome, Togo.
“We have learnt a lot from our FIBA 3×3 World Cup outing in the Philippines. We have learnt a couple of interesting 3×3 tricks and we hope that can work to our own advantage.”
The 28-year old was part of the D’Tiger’s team that finished second in 2017 Afro-Basket also said his aim to be part of Nigeria’s World Cup squad to China 2019.
“My target is to be on the D’Tigers World Cup 2019 team. And of course, I’m not going to just sit and hope for it to happen. I’m going to work really hard to attain that goal and the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup is a good opportunity to show that I belong there,” he concluded.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
