Two Clubs Withdraw From 2923 BAL Qualifier

Two Clubs Withdraw From 2923 BAL Qualifier

By Sampson Adedeji

FIBA Africa has confirmed the withdrawal of two clubs from the first round of the qualifiers of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A statement from FIBA revealed that Group A's Nigelec Basket Club, a Nigerien outfit as well as Group E's Roche-Bois Warriors from Mauritius 

have informed FIBA Africa of their unavailability to participate in the qualification round for BAL.

This would have been the third straight appearance in the first round of the Road to BAL for Nigerien champions Nigelec.

The decision means that Groups A and E will go ahead with three teams each. The remaining twenty clubs are expected to compete for a chance to qualify for the second round of Elite 16 to be played in Abidjan and Johannesburg in November.

Heading the list of already qualified teams for the 2024 BAL Championship are title holders Al Ahly of Egypt, AS Douanes of Senegal and Rwandan champions APR.

Completing the remaining slots are Angolan powerhouse Petro de Luanda who lost the bronze medal game to Stade Malien of Mali in 2022. 

Former champions US Monastir of Tunisia as well as a yet-to-be-named team from Nigeria also have an automatic ticket to the showpiece.