By JOE APU
The stage is set for the final rounds of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) 2024, with 12 qualified teams competing for the coveted title.
Among the standout contenders is the Friend’s Basketball Association (FBA), representing Côte d’Ivoire. FBA secured their spot in the tournament with an impressive performance in Liberia on November 10, finishing first in FIBA Zone 3.
The final stages of the competition are scheduled to take place from December 6 to 15, 2024, at the Marius N’Diaye Stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Details about the groupings and the tournament format are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Aside the FBA, Zone 3 vice champions MFM are the mix alongside the Nigeria Customs team that has been granted a wild card. They finished in third place at the Qualifiers that took place in Liberia.
The other that will compete in Dakar are host AS Ville Dakar of Senegal, defending champions Sporting Alexandria of Egypt, ASB Makomeno and CNSS both of Congo. Al Ahly Club of Egypt, REG BB of Rwanda, APR also of Rwanda, Ferrovairo of Mozambique and FAP of Cameroon complete the number.
The Ivorian Basketball Federation (FIBB), in a message to their team said they are committed to the growth and recognition of Ivorian women’s basketball, extended its best wishes to FBA, emphasizing the team’s role in showcasing Ivorian talent on the continental stage.
This is the first time out for FBA and they are set to ensure that they outclass the other teams for the title.
FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) told SportingSun that he is glad that the Zone is producing three teams in the Final Round billed for Dakar Arena from December 6-15, 2024.
“I’m glad that for the first time in a long while the Zone will be parading three teams in the final round courtesy of a wild card for the Nigeria Customs team. FBA and MFM qualified automatically. This is wishing them the best of luck,” Col. Ahmedu who is also a member of FIBA Africa executive committee as well as member of the FIBA Africa Central board stated.