15ht AJUBA: Our plan against Congo, Coach Adeka

Speaking shortly after the team last training session on Friday, the former head coach of Dodan Warriors basketball club said the coaching crew which comprises himself and Denver Nuggets international scout and director, Masai Ujiri have mapped out strategy to cut the Congolese to size right from the blast of the referees’ whistle.

“We plan to take the game to the Congolese in their own half of the court as we intend to continue with our style of play adopted since the commencement of the championship with a pressure defense and massive offense."

“We also intend to take the game off the sail of the more physically built Congolese after the second quarter so as to make it impossible for them to catch up with us."

The team will continue with its starting five made up of captain and points guard Oseer Ikyaator, off-guard Nosa Omorogie, small forward Ibrahim Yusuf while the duo of

Mbaram Omori and Solomon Alabi who is favoured to emerged as the championship most valuable player in the post.

Nigeria plays Congo at 2.00pm local in second semi-final while the first semi-final match is between Angola and Mali. All four countries are taking the semi-final duel with all seriousness because winners will automatically book a world championship ticket.

Meanwhile, Nigeria leader of delegation, Barrister Richard Agu have urged the boys to be fully focus for the task against Congo.

According to the youth coordinator of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, "the boys (players) cannot afford to lose concentration at this stage, which is considered the most important part of the championship."

Agu said the federation would not waste time in drawing up plan that will see the team prepare adequately for the world championship slated for Vancouver, Canada next year should the team bag one of the two tickets reserved for Africa in the world met.

He also thanked basketball fans back home who take time out to cheer the boys and their coaches while preparing for the defense of the African title won four years ago in Cairo, Egypt.