TheCable

Nigeria will compete in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup after being awarded a wild card by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA).

The FIBA 3×3 tournament will take place in Manila, the Philippines from June 8-12, 2018.

Musa Kida, the NBBF president, said the decision to award Nigeria a wildcard is a direct result of the improved status of the country as a basketball playing nation.

“As part of our campaign promises, we will endeavor to expose our talents home and abroad to the best opportunities to improve their skills and become great,” Kida said.

“The promised exposure can only be possible through participation in international events such as this.

“With another round of camping, traveling and participation of our 3×3 team at the world cup already on the card, it means we will need more money to actualize these plans.

“The government alone cannot fund sports, so we will be reaching out to corporate organizations and individuals to partner the federation ahead of a busy 2018 basketball calendar.”

Nigeria is currently ranked fifth in Africa and 67th in the world.