By Duro Ikhazuagbe
As the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) Africa men qualifying competition begins this week in Tunisia, StarTimes has concluded arrangement to beam live encounters of the competition.
Tunisia will host Group A, which consists of Nigeria, the DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali with the teams that finish in top two advancing to the final phase.
While Nigeria is set to defend the African crown, DR Congo is aiming for a successful return to FIBA AfroBasket. Although Nigeria arrived Tunis with a completely new team from 2015, the defending champions emerge with arguably the most talented front court, which could be filled by NBA player Daniel Ochefu of the Washington Wizards as well as Deji Akindele and Akin Akingbala.
Question being asked, however, is if Nigeria can defend the FIBA AfroBasket crown.
Analysts believe Nigeria is the favourite to advance from Group A, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire are likely battling for whatever is left on the table.
Two years ago, Nigeria upset the then defending champions Angola, to win their first-ever African title. Meanwhile, a new Federation board brought in a new coaching team, and the Nigerians will look to defend the title with a completely different team.
Nigeria is facing the Ivorians in group A on September 9 in Tunis. Two years ago, the Ivoirians registered their worst result ever in the history of the competition. Although the former African champions won two of their five games, they claimed a 12th-place finish.
Mali often described as one of the most talented basketball nations in Africa will also be in Tunisia. However, Mali is yet to live up to their accolades, although they have promised time and time again to prove doubters wrong in Tunisia.
Speaking on the 2017 FIBA African qualifying encounters, Brands and Marketing Director, StarTimes, Mr. Qasim Elegbede, said StarTimes is ever committed to delivering quality sporting content to its subscribers as basketball lovers can watch live the thrills and action on TV and the mobile app.
FIBA Afrobasket qualifying encounters will be enjoyed by African basketball fans on the StarTimes Premium sport channel.
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