Nigeria’s representatives, MFM Basketball Club and First Bank BC, have been pitted against four other West African teams in the race for the two African Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) tickets available in the qualifying tournament billed to hold in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.
 
The FIBA Africa Zone Three qualifiers will hold at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, where the participating teams will face a demanding week in which every result could prove decisive in their quest to reach the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.
  
Like Nigeria, the host country, Liberia, will have two representatives in the contest, including the domestic league’s second-placed team, Flames Basketball Club, and reigning national champions, D’Rockers Basketball Club.
 
Other teams in the contest are FIBA Zone Three defending champion, Côte d’Ivoire’s Friends of Basketball Association (FBA), and Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.
 
MFM heads to Liberia with bragging rights after edging First Bank 66–64 in the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League final at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium.
 
The closely fought encounter, played before a packed arena, underlined how little separates the two Nigerian sides.
 
Their meeting in Monrovia could therefore carry added significance, as both clubs seek to translate their domestic form into continental success and secure passage to Cairo.
 
The Nigerian representatives were able to enter the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule.
 
The changes followed an intervention by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), enabling both clubs to participate after the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign.
 
Preparations in Liberia are also gathering momentum. Calvin Diggs, president of Flames Basketball Club and Secretary-General of the LBA, told journalists that they are working to ensure a smooth and successful event.
 
According to Diggs, the Organising Committee and the LBA have intensified preparations, with the goal of delivering a competition that meets international standards.
 
FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, pointing to the experience accumulated by the country’s basketball community through hosting several international events in recent years.
 
As the countdown continues, the six clubs are reportedly reinforcing their squads ahead of the showdown. The immediate objectives for the teams are clear: finish among the top two and earn the opportunity to compete for the AWBL title in Egypt.