Lagos has once again been picked as host of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup qualifiers 4th round between the 14th and 16th of September.
The decision to award the hosting the rights of the 4th window of the qualifiers was contained in a letter sent to the Nigeria Basketball Federation secretariat by FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bile on Friday.
The latest announcement has been described by many as an evidence of the growing confidence in Nigeria by the Federation of International Basketball Federation to be a major player on the African continent under the leadership of Engineer Musa Kida.
Host- 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.”
Nigeria sit atop group F with 12 points from 6 games while Senegal is second with 11 point.
Central Africa and Rwanda occupy the 3rd and 4th spots with 9 points apiece with 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 2 highest placed teams from the 2 groups and the overall third placed team will qualify for the 2019 World cup holding in China.
