Published on : 02/06/2022 – 15:21Modified : 02/06/2022 – 15:30
The Mali team will replace that of Nigeria at the next World Cup, scheduled for September 22 to October 1 in Australia. The Malians will face the French and the Australians in particular. The Nigerians have been withdrawn from the tournament following a decision by the authorities of their country, assured the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
« I mean ‘wow’. I don’t think I’ll ever wear green and white again. This June 2, 2022, Ezinne Kalu, the charismatic playmaker of the Nigerian women’s basketball team, expressed her amazement on social networks. His selection, triple reigning African champion, has indeed been excluded from the next World Cup, scheduled for September 22 to October 1, 2022 in Australia. A terrible blow for a team that played in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Olympics.
An internal conflict at the origin of this disqualification
This disqualification from the 2022 World Cup was explained by the International Federation (FIBA) in a press release: “ FIBA was informed today of the decision of the president of nigeria [Muhammadu Buhari, Ndlr] to withdraw the country’s National Basketball Federation (NBBF) from all international competitions and other basketball-related activities for the next two years. After discussions with the NBBF, and despite FIBA’s request, it has become clear that the decision of the Nigerian government does not allow the NBBF to confirm its participation in the World Cup. »
The Nigerian government indeed took this drastic decision on May 12, due to a governance crisis within the federation. In January, two separate elections were held for the presidency of the NBBF. Incumbent President Musa Kida won one poll, while the other was won by Igoche Mark.
Mali in the group of France
Another consequence: Mali, ranked 4th in Group B of the Qualification Tournament for [le Mondial 2022]is invited to participate in the World Cup added FIBA. An announcement that delighted the interior of the Malian national team, Kankou Coulibaly. ” I was shocked to hear that. We did not expect to go to the World Cup like that. It’s very strong emotionally, breathe the one who had lost against Nigeria 70-59 the final of the last African Championship. I can’t believe we’re invited to the Worlds. »
The 32-year-old certainly knew the Nigerians were in the hot seat. However, she did not necessarily expect to take their place, in a group B which includes France, Serbia, Japan, Canada and Australia. « These opponents are very strong compared to us. Our team is still too young. It will come down to experienceunderlines Kankou Coulibaly, who sees it above all as a bonus for Mali. You have to go there without pressure. If we win, we win. And if we lose, it will still be fine. We weren’t ready to go to the World Cup like that. »