HUGE BLOW! FIBA confirms Nigeria's FIBAWWC withdrawal, invites Mali as replacement

It has been confirmed that Nigeria's National Women's basketball team D'Tigress will not be a part of the 2022 FIBA World Cup.

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report this following a statement from the World basketball governing body, FIBA, on Thursday morning. 

According to the statement, FIBA has been forced to confirm Nigeria's absence from the Global showpiece to give her replacement time to prepare for the competition slated for later this year.

"Despite FIBA's request, it has become clear that against the circumstances created by the government's decision, the NBBF is unable to confirm its participation in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022," the statement read in parts.

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"Given the multiple strict deadlines that cannot be postponed to ensure the successful staging of a major international event and to protect the integrity of the competition, the FIBA Executive Committee has decided that Nigeria's withdrawal from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 is confirmed."

It will be recalled that last month, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari decided to withdraw D'Tigress from the Women's World Cup.

President Buhari announced a two-year ban on basketball activities in the country, with D'Tigress affected after the team was withdrawn from the World Cup.

According to the Federal Government, the ban and withdrawal were a result of war going on by factions in the Basketball Association, NBBF, which has threatened the development of the game in the country.

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However, despite several pleas from Nigerians and players of the D'Tigress, the FG refused to rescind their decision which has now been upheld and confirmed by the World governing body, FIBA.

Mali invited to replace Nigeria at FIBAWWC

Well, Nigeria's loss has become Mali's gain after FIBA also confirmed that an invitation has been extended to Mali to feature at the World Cup as a replacement for Nigeria.

"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."

FIBA added it will announce in due course if Nigeria would face possible disciplinary measures following the decision of the Federal Government to withdraw Nigeria from the competition.