The plans of D’Tigers to ensure they end the China 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers unbeaten has been revealed by Al Farouq Aminu.
Nigeria became one of the first teams to qualify for next year’s World Cup in China. Tunisia are the other team who have qualified for the tournament. Africa have three slots left to fill.
With three games left to play in the qualifiers – in the sixth window in February 2019 – Nigeria have been unbeaten in the qualifiers, having a 9-0 record to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2006. In February, Nigeria will face Ivory Coast, Central African Republic and Senegal.
Aminu, who spoke with FIBA.basketball, said the D’Tigers want to finish the qualifiers on a high to get them in a good shape for the World Cup.
“It’s not because we already have our spot for China 2019 that we have to give up competing for the rest of the qualifiers,” he said.
“We’re going to keep working and try to reach our full potential in order to have a great run in China next year but to also keep building for the future of the national team. Those games are very important. Why not trying to win the last three left? It’s important to stay in the same dynamic.
“We can’t wait to compete again on the world stage and compete against the best teams in the world. And we are all looking forward to it. There is still plenty of time before the start of the competition but we have that in mind and we can’t wait for it to be next summer.”
The Portland Trailblazers player praised the fans for their support.
He said, “The fans (in Lagos) were very loud and very supportive and we had to win to show them that we are very competitive and thank them for their support. We really felt a lot of love from our fellow compatriots. It’s easy to tell they’re here for us no matter what. I’m very proud of being Nigerian and to be playing for the national team so it feels very good to go back home to compete and share wins with the fans.
“(Playing for Nigeria) It’s one of the most important things in my career, that’s for sure. I’m proud to play for Nigeria and I love the feeling of wearing the national team jersey and representing the country. When I do something, I try to do it the best way and I’m 100 per cent invested in the national team and on helping basketball grow in Nigeria, but also on the entire African continent.
“It’s good to know that you’re followed and seen as an example, an inspiration by the youth and I’m trying my best to show them that everything is possible.”
Credit: punchng.com
