Defenders ready to fight for ELITE 8 place, adds three players to squad

ABUJA (Nigeria) – Civil Defenders of Nigeria have just one thing at the back of their minds and it is to be among the ELITE 8 of the FIBA Africa Basketball League.

The team which finished as runners-up at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers last December are not ready to play second fiddle again as they head to Cotonou, Benin for their Group B action.

To further boost their chances, Defenders have added three new players to their squad: Point guard Anaiye Johnson joined the team from Kwara Falcons, talented shooting guard Ibe Abuchi Agu came from Gombe Bulls and former Dodan Warriors shooting guard Garba Umar from Bauchi Nets.

According to Defenders head coach Gombwer Paul, the team is now better fortified than they were last December. “We’re now a better side and are ready to compete on a level playing ground like other teams. However, Cotonou is a familiar terrain for us and we look forward to securing a ticket to the ELITE 8,” he said.

Though, not undermining any team, Paul is adamant that he has the players to make the difference. “Defenders as a team have nothing to fear because we already know ELAN Sportif but the others are not known to us.

"As much as we will not underrate any team, we’re ready to give our best to remain in this new competition. The idea of the FIBA Africa Basketball League is something that excites us. We will do our best to pick one of the two tickets," the play-caller added.

FIBA