Omar Abada set sight on FIBA InterContinental Cup with Al Ahly of Egypt
After a disappointing outing at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nigeria, Tunisia point guard Omar Abada has immediately changed his focus.
LAGOS (Nigeria) - After a disappointing outing at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Nigeria, Tunisia point guard Omar Abada has immediately changed his focus.
Certainly not one to drown himself in the misfortune that befell Tunisia, Omar, who recently signed for Egypt champions Al Ahly after a brief stint with Cote d'Ivoire's ABC Fighters, is looking forward to just play basketball at the highest level again.
Regarded as one of Africa's best in his position, Abada has agreed to suit up for Al Ahly in the upcoming FIBA InterContinental Cup billed for Singapore in September 21-24.
Abada was named to the 2021 BAL All-Tournament after helping US Monastir to a second-place finish.
He was joined in the team by teammates Makram Ben Romdhane and Wael Arkji, MVP Walter Hodge and Anas Mahmoud.
He told FIBA.basketball that playing in the clubs' world championship in Singapore is one he is already anticipating with the hope for a great performance.
"For sure it is a big opportunity for me to play for a great club like Al Ahly of Egypt. We're going to play at the Intercontinental Championship as well as the Arab Cup. So it an opportunity to show myself and to help the team as well as be a good teammate."
With that settled, Omar noted on Tunisia's budged attempt at the POQT said he feels sad and disappointed that his country will not be at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
"It's sad we will not be representing Africa as it used to be all over the world but at the same time I am proud of this young generation of players. We need to be patient with them as they are getting better game by game."
The 1.89 m (6ft 2in) guard notes that "There's no need to be tough on the younger players because I think we have time to meet the 2025 target for AfroBasket set by the federation."
The Singapore Indoor Stadium will become the first-ever venue in Asia to host the FIBA Intercontinental in September.
Al Ahly will battle it out against Al Manama, Franca, NBA G League Ignite, Telekom Baskets Bonn and Zhejiang Golden Bulls.
Al Ahly defeated Senegal's AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda to emerge Africa's flag bearers.
FIBA