By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@ YawMintYM on Twitter
Veteran Nigeria and Kano Pillars Shooting Guard Abubakar Usman has stated Nigeria’s goal is to win a second AfroBasket Championship in this year’s edition.
He made the statement in an interview with FIBA.com as he revealed his intentions of a recall to the Nigeria National Male Basketball Team-D’Tigers.
“I will take my chances, I know it won’t be easy because we have some high-quality players but I have been working very hard over the years. There is nothing like representing your country in a competition like the AfroBasket. I know that special feeling [of playing for a national team]” he said.
The experienced Guard had another standout year as he led Kano Pillars to win the Nigerian League and FIBA Zone Three Championship in Lome, Togo. Pillars placed fourth in the African Champions Cup held in Cairo, Egypt.
His impressive form earned him a nomination in the Best Player Category at the Nigeria Basketball Federation Awards before losing to teammate Dele Ademola.
Nigeria won the AfroBasket Championship in 2015 earning automatic qualification to this year’s edition which takes place between August 17 and 31.
2015 Ghana Basketball Awards Tertiary Player of the Year Winner Wilfred Romeo Enan featured for Pillars in Egypt.
