Nigeria can't underrate FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 opponents, says Nnaji News

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Nigeria can't underrate FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 opponents, says Nnaji

By Daily Sports on June 8, 2017

Scott Nnaji says Nigeria will not write off any of their FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 Group B opponents.

"From the crop of players that were involved in the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) in France, I can say categorically that Nigeria stands a good chance of getting to the final if we get our acts together," says Nnaji.

Talking to FIBA.com, Nnaji who was at the helm of the Nigerian side who claimed a third-place finish at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2015 in Cameroon, based his comments on the fact that many teams are no longer pushovers but have improved themselves to the extent that they can spring surprises.

"The two Groups are well mixed but most importantly, none of them will be a walkover," Nnaji noted.

"Senegal, Egypt and Mozambique have been tough opponents for Nigeria and we already know that we need to work hard to face them but we can’t rule out fast rising Guinea. They are improving and can shock any team that underrates them."

The man who was part of the Nigerian coaching staff at the 2004 Athens Olympics, stated that given the opposition, he believes early training camp and quality friendly international games would help put the two-time African champions in the right frame of mind for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket crown.

And this is only possible with a good training programme that will culminate with the championship," Nnaji explained.

Nigeria, he said, have good players in the WNBA, Europe and at home.

"The players are ready to give their all given the right opportunity. They also understand that other players are getting set, so they would want to give their best for Nigeria."

The 12-team competition will take place from August 18-27 at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Bamako, Mali. It serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain.

*Photo shows Scot Nnaji.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 8, 2017