Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress have been ejected from the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, with Mali called up as replacement.
The world basketball governing body (FIBA) disqualified D’Tigress from the competition due to the crisis around the sport in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari had suspended the country from participating in all international basketball competitions and activities for a period of two years.
The President’s withdrawal is said to be aimed at revamping the sports from the grassroots in Nigeria.
“FIBA was informed about the decision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withdraw the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) from all international basketball competitions and activities for a period of two years,” a statement from FIBA said.
The statement continued: “Nigeria’s withdrawal from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is confirmed. Mali, as the next ranked team from Group B of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, is invited to participate in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.”
The 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup is billed to hold between 22 September and 1 October, 2022.
