Naturalized Spanish, Sokhna Bintou Lo is now eligible for the Senegal national team. The Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB) announced in an official press release that this decision by FIBA, dated June 17, 2024, follows an administrative procedure initiated by the FSBB with the world body in order to allow the player to wear the colors of Senegal.
“The Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB) informs that player Sokhna Bintou Lô, naturalized Spanish, is now eligible without restriction for the Senegal national team, by decision of FIBA dated June 17, 2024. This decision follows to an administrative procedure initiated by the FSBB with the FIBA in order to allow Sokhna Bintou Lô to wear the colors of Senegal,” we can read in the FSBB press release. Born in Senegal and trained in Spain where she played throughout her basketball career, Sokhna Bintou Lô played this 2023/2024 season with the Caledonia Gladiators club in the British Professional League (WBBL). She, informs the FSBB, scored 7.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 20 minutes of play on average per match. Pre-selected for the Spanish national team. The player playing in the interior position would have aroused keen interest in the coach of the Senegal national team, Mr. Alberto Antuna, who contacted her with a view to the Lionesses’ upcoming games.
Following FIBA’s decision, the national coach did not show his enthusiasm, declaring: “How good! It’s a good acquisition for us and for her to be able to play. She was already super excited about the idea of being able to represent Senegal. » Sokhna Bintou Lô also expressed her joy over her new status and being able to wear the jersey. “First of all, I thank God. It is with great emotion, pleasure and humility that I received notification from the Senegalese Basketball Federation informing me that FIBA gave me the opportunity to represent my dear country, Senegal. It’s true that I am Senegalese-Spanish, but I have always felt the desire to represent Senegal which is everything to me and my family. I sincerely hope to deserve this favor and to be part of the next generation who will continue to make Senegalese basketball shine all over the world. It’s a childhood dream come true and I can’t wait to fight for my country. See you soon, y Vamos Senegal. »
For his part, the president of the Senegalese basketball federation, Mr. Babacar Ndiaye, welcomed this decision by FIBA which, according to him, fits with the general interest of basketball and that of Senegal in particular. He also congratulates the player Sokhna Bintou Lô to whom he welcomes. After the American leader, Diallars, La Tanière has, with the Spanish pivot, a major recruit. The Senegal women’s national team will participate, from August 19 to 25, 2024 in Kigali, in the pre-qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. Senegal, as we recall, is housed in Group C with Brazil, Hungary and the Philippines.
Omar DIAW
