Nigeria heading to Spain 2018 targeting more than country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup win

ABUJA (FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018) - Nigeria have never won a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game, but for guard Upe Atosu this is about to change. 

Atosu has been known for her tenacity and fearless style of play.

So much so, that when Nigeria trailed 18-9 in the opening quarter of FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 Final against Senegal two months ago in Mali, she came off the bench to bury a three-pointer that ignited her team to a strong second quarter. 

Those were Atosu's only points in the game, yet they proved crucial to Nigeria's 65-48 triumph, which saw her country return to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup for the first time since 2006.

"The team can do the unthinkable and go very far at the World Cup." - Atosu

And, when the 5ft6 (1.67m) guard was recently asked about the new African champions' chances at FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain, the 24-year-old responded with the same level of confidence that has made her a household name not only in her native country but also across the continent of Africa.

"There is nothing impossible if we put our hearts to it," Atosu was quoted by local paper PUNCH.

"Going into the FIBA Women's AfroBasket, we were not favourites but we went there and did what we had to do even when we played the most difficult match of the tournament against the hosts. The team can do the unthinkable and go very far at the World Cup."

In their FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup debut in 2006 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nigeria lost all their five games.

So, next summer, in Spain, they will chase more than their first win in the history of the competition.

"The World Cup will bring bigger pressure, so we need to be better prepared for it and I believe we can do better than we have ever done at that stage.

"We have talented players all over the world. The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup is a tournament that is bigger than the FIBA Women's AfroBasket, so we have to prepare very well for it. The team need reinforcements in some areas as well as friendly matches. We had a great starting five and a quality bench in Mali, so we were able to withstand the pressures of the competition," Atosu explained.

Atosu averaged 5.8 points per game at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017

If you think Atosu would be happy to just win a couple of games in Spain, she reminds you of her ambition.

"After winning the FIBA Women's AfroBasket, I want to win the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. That is the next thing I am praying for and looking out earnestly for," she pointed out.

Both Nigeria and Senegal will represent Africa at the 16-team FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 which will take place from September 22-30 in Tenerife, Spain.

FIBA