By Daily Sports on August 31, 2018

 Expectations are high for Africa ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain.

And reigning African champions Nigeria are hoping to make an impact according to power forward Evelyn Akhator who was named to the AfroBasket Women 2017 All-Star team.

Akhator, who is currently in camp with Nigeria in Lagos, told FIBA.basketball that she and her teammates are focused on ensuring that they put up a credible performance in Spain from September 22-30.

Though Akhator admits that the World Cup will be though, she believes that the bonding of the team could work magic for Nigeria.

“We are in a very tight group and I believe we can do better than many expect. I believe we have a chance of getting to the Second Round and even make it to the final. I am sure we have a good chance. All we have to do is to fill up our chemistry and go for gold.

"With hard work and energy, I see us getting better as time progresses. For now, we just need to get our focus on the World Cup. I’m sure as time progresses we shall get better and improve as time ticks closer."

Speaking on Nigeria’s Group B opponents, which includes Australia, Argentina and Turkey, Akhator, who recently joined Turkish side Besiktas, noted that Nigeria have a good coach that is eager to get results.

“I see us doing better under him [Otis Hugley]. He will be the one to decide the games go. He has told us he's going the extra mile in making sure things work out perfectly. Basketball is not just about being on the court. It also gets to do with your mindset. We will get better. All we have to do is to work hard.”

While she believes that every game would be an experience, Akhator is confident that Nigeria’s performance is strictly about teamwork and not individual play.

“I learn every day and I can’t say I am the best. But what I can say is that I want to give my best always and go hard. And I believe, whatever happens, happens. I don’t want to go with the mindset of becoming the best. I only go with the mindset of winning. With that mindset, everything falls into places."

Nigeria will open their Group B campaign taking on Australia on Saturday, September 22. (FIBA)

•Photo shows Nigeria's basketball ladies

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 31, 2018

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