It is no longer news that Nigeria have already punched their ticket for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China later this year but Ikechukwu Nwamu seeks to set a record with the FIBA AfroBasket 2015 champions.
Going undefeated in all 12 games of the African Qualifiers remains a strong factor on his mind as the 6th Window draws closer.
From February 22-24 Cote d’Ivoire will host the second leg of Group F of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers.
The D’Tigers will go up against Senegal, Cote d’ Ivoire and Central African Republic, and the 25-year-old told FIBA. basketball that he is for business all the way with his teammates,”I think it will go well. We want to continue to play well and look to finish undefeated.”
That Nigeria’s opponents would come out determined to win their games, Nwanu says: “It doesn’t disturb us at all. We are only worried about us and making sure we play well and the rest will take care of itself. I think everyone is a threat. If we don’t come to play we will be in for a difficult time.”
The 1.96 m (6 ft 5in) Guard who last week moved to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants -a D-League team of the Indiana Pacers- from Wisconsin Herd notes that he has had an amazing time playing in the African Qualifiers.
“The highlight for me personally was playing back home in Nigeria for sure. It was amazing! It was great to have our people be apart of everything. It was also great to play in front of family. I think it will go well. We want to continue to play well and look to finish undefeated.”
Looking ahead to his career, Nwamu noted that his ultimate dream is to have a long and fruitful career and win many championships.
Speaking on what the Qualifiers has done for basketball in Nigeria, the Los Angeles native stated; “I think it’s been great. It’ll have a huge impact on future generations because they were able to see first-hand high-level international basketball. They know with hard work and perseverance that will be them one day.”
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