The decision comes after original host Senegal recently disclosed its inability to host the competition due to financial and logistical challenges.
The final round of games to determine the last two nations to make it to the World Cup to be held in China takes place from February 22-24.
This is Abidjan’s major FIBA competition since hosting the 2013 African Basketball Championship (AfroBasket) won by Angola.
The news comes as a big boost to Ivory Coast’s chances of making it to China; Nigeria, reigning African Champions Tunisia and Angola have qualified to play in the Asian nation later this year.
“Staff and players are ready to do battle for our qualification. We are aware that it won’t be easy but playing on home court is a great opportunity for us” according to Ivorian Basketball Federation President Mathieu Agui-Miezan.
Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Egypt are in contention for a spot in China.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
