The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has drawn Nigeria in the group B of the forthcoming 2nd IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in Tapei City, Chinese Taipei from July 18 to 28, 2013.
Nigeria was drawn alongside USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Korea, Panama, Russia, and Pakistan while Group A has the host Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, and Hong Kong
It is the first time in the event history that the United States, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Panama, Nigeria, Russia and Pakistan are competing in an IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup.
Teams are scheduled to arrive on July 16. During the first round from July 18 to 25 (rest day on July 23) a round robin will be played with the top four teams of each pool advancing to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal and semifinals are scheduled for July 26 and 27 with the Gold Medal Game and the Bronze Medal Game to be played on July 28.
Chinese Taipei won the inaugural edition of the IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in 2011, which also was played in Taipei City. Team CT defeated Cuba in a thrilling championship game, claiming the title. Venezuela, Mexico and Japan completed the top five. Brazil, Korea, Italy, Philippines, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Lithuania also participated.
Matches at the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup will be played at Tien Mou Stadium, Youth Park and Shing-Sheng Stadium in Taipei City.
The use of the curveball will be permitted at this tournament after a decision by the Executive Board earlier this year.
The IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup embraces fully the notions of cultural diversity, the environment, drug awareness both socially and in sports, and working as a team. Rules for the event have been specially created by the IBAF Tournaments Commission, The Committee, composed of members from around the International baseball world and familiar with elite youth competition, conducted a lengthy study of the structures surrounding the 12 years and under game that is played in all of the continents.
In a swift reaction, the Secretary General of Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) Kehinde Laniyan said that the manner in which events are unfolding have shown that Nigeria has come of age in Baseball adding that only Nigeria team is ready to face the world.
“We are ready and I can promise that we will do Africa proud” he concluded
Ikenna Agu
Head of Media
