FIBA Africa President Hamane Niang has heaped praise on Africa’s representatives at the just ended Women’s World Cup.
Senegal and Nigeria represented the continent and placed 8th and 12th among 16 nations that participated in the tournament.
Nigeria became the first nation from the continent to progress to the quarterfinals after clinching three straight wins in Spain.
Senegal topped highly rated Latvia 70-69 to go beyond Group D but a 48-63 loss to Spain meant the West African nation did not progress to the quarters.
However, Ninag was impressed with the duos performance and in an interview with FIBA stated, “To have one African team in the eight best women’s sides and two of them among the top 12 team in the world is a performance we have to highlight”.
He added “We have to tip our hats off to Nigeria and Senegal for their performances against European teams”.
Nigeria benefitted immensely from the immense run as it gained 15 places in the world rankings to 19th place. Senegal stayed in 17th.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
