Basketball in Africa

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Mr. Tijjani Umar left Nigeria Friday night for Cairo, Egypt where he is defending the country’s bid to host the 2011 edition of the African Nations Cup for Men.

Nigeria which is in competition with Cote d’Ivoire and Madagascar for the 2011 Afrobasket hosting will do presentations to the Central Board of FIBA Africa which is meeting Friday and Saturday at Sonesta Hotel in Cairo. The Central Board’s meeting will choose the hosting country of the Afrobasket Men 2011 and three countries and announce the winner before the close of the continental gathering in Cairo.

Umar is leading a delegation of four members of his team. His First Vice President Mukthar Malone Khaleh who is also the President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 went ahead of Umar, Tagwai Yusuf and Mustapha Suleiman. Mukthar is also attending the continental meetings as a member of the Central Working Committee.

“We have the full support of the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Government of Nigeria to host. We have prepared well and we have all the facility needed for this level of championship and so we are very optimistic to emerge as the host country for the 2011 event,” Umar said before boarding the flight out of Abuja.

Apart from the power point presentation, Nigeria is also presentation a DVD showcasing the venues spanning from the sporting facilities to the hotels and all other requirements for high class competition. The Nigerian Sports Minister who is currently in Angola for the African football competition speaks of the government backing in a clip in the DVD.

The Nigerian team is expected back in the country by Wednesday. Nigeria is the only African basketball power house that is yet to host or win the championship. Angola, Egypt and Senegal have played as host at least twice each Angola hosting twice within 10years. Nigeria stepped down for Libya as host for the 2009 edition won by Angola.

By Pius Ayinor
FIBA Africa