Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team Small Forward Al-Farouq Aminu has expressed D’Tigers determination to perform very well at this year’s World Cup.
The 2019 FIBA World Cup runs from August 31 to September 15 in China and Nigeria has been drawn in Group D alongside Argentina, South Korea and Russia.
Head Coach Alex Nwora recently named a 44 man preliminary roster for training camp with the roster featuring a host of players competing in the NBA including Aminu and Cleveland Cavaliers David Nwaba.
In an interview with FIBA as the 2015 African Champions prepare to play friendly games against Canada and Puerto Rico, Aminu was adamant about the team’s approach.
“Our first goal is to fight for a spot to the next round…We aren’t going to China to play and just go home after three games. We want to go to the knockout stage and have a great run” he said.
Nigeria qualified to the competition after winning 10 of 12 games and is one of five nations representing the continent in China.
Aminu recently signed a three year deal worth $29 million with Orlando Magic after starring for Portland Trailblazers.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
