''We're not expecting a tea party in Abidjan,'' warns Nigeria's Aminu

TEL AVIV (Israel) - Nigeria's Alade Aminu is adamant that the sixth and final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers in Cote d'Ivoire will witness some high level action.

From 22-24 February, Nigeria will face hosts Cote d'Ivoire, Central African Republic and Senegal to close their successful Group F where there are still two World Cup tickets up for grabs. 

And, according to the 31-year-old center, who has helped the D'Tigers qualify for the China 2019 showpiece, these games will leave fans on the edge of their seats.  

So far, the Nigerians are among the three African teams to have already clinched their place at the World Cup, alongside Angola and Tunisia.

Aminu, who plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel League, expects their opponents to come out battling, particularly the home side.

"WE JUST HAVE TO BE FOCUSED AND SHOW THE WORLD WE CAN BEAT ANYONE. WE MUST PROVE WE HAVE GOT A LOT OF TALENT. WE ARE BILLED TO KEEP SHOWING THE POWER NIGERIA BASKETBALL HAVE"- Aminu

Aminu said: "Honestly, it's not only Cote d'Ivoire. We need to win all the games."

Nigeria have won all of their nine games so far, yet Aminu is cautious.

"Our opponents will be hungry and no doubt determined as well. For us, we just have to do what we need to do to take care of the situation. We're not expecting a tea party in Abidjan. We must be prepared for the energy they bring and do our job properly.

"We have played against Senegal and we're looking forward to more challenges. The members of the team are keen on destroying rebels and rivals ahead of any clash. Nigeria stands a chance against anybody," the 2.08m (6ft 10in) big added. 

The two-time Olympian, who represented his country at FIBA AfroBasket 2013 in Abidjan, appreciates their fans support and inspiring messages, but admits that Cote d'Ivoire's own crowd will cheer the hosts on.

Yet, Nigeria will be ready, he noted.

 "We realized that Nigerian fans are amazing, we got some of the best in the world. They love us doing it in the green white green. I am proud to play before them. We brought a lot of people out the last time, Master P [a famous Nigerian singer] and others. I derived pleasure in playing for Nigeria."

Aminu has contributed an average of nine points and five rebounds in three games.

"We just have to be focused and show the world we can beat anyone. We must prove we have a strong team with good chemistry. We got a lot of talent. We are billed to keep showing the power Nigeria basketball have and to remain focused," Aminu pointed out. 

Asked what it means for him not having his younger brother Al-Farouq on the court with him for this coming window, Aminu - who helped the Nigerian team to win the FIBA AfroBasket 2015 - admitted he will miss his presence.
 

"Playing against rivals is always fun for us, we have been playing against each others so anytime we get the chance to play together, a lot of fun happens. I hope we will be back to training very soon and make it to the World Cup. I enjoy playing with my brother and other members of the team."

With regards to the impact the Qualifiers has brought to Nigeria basketball, Alade noted: "Our basketball here in Nigeria is getting better. The players are now moving abroad to showcase their talent. It’s been amazing over there also. Our people at home are happy to see us come around. It’s amazing we are meeting great people."

On Friday, 22 February, Nigeria go up against Cote d'Ivoire, who desperately, need to win all three games to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.  

FIBA