The International Basketball Federation, FIBA, has replaced Nigeria’s female basketball team, the D’tigress, with Mali for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Belgrade.
Nigeria’s D’tigress was disqualified after President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the country from participating in international basketball competitions and other activities for a period of two years. In his defence, the President said the withdrawal is aimed at revamping sports in Nigeria.
“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,” a statement from FIBA said.
“FIBA will announce whether there will be any other decisions related to the NBBF’s participation in other FIBA competitions and any potential disciplinary measures in due course.”
