Jamen ready to help if called for WOQT

If Cameroon can win three games at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held in Nantes, France from 13-19 June, they will write the brightest chapter in the country's basketball history.

Three wins is all the Cameroonians need in order to secure one of the five places at stake for the 2016 Olympics.

Back in October in their capital city of Yaounde, Cameroon could have secured direct qualification for the Rio Games. They opened AfroBasket Women 2015 with seven straight wins, but the only Olympic ticket on offer went to Senegal who outplayed hosts Cameroon in the Final with an 81-66 victory.

Now, in order to keep their Olympic aspirations alive, Cameroon need to do well in Group B which also includes Turkey and Argentina.

Most Cameroonians like forward Nicole Jamen wish the team would have qualified directly. But, Salt Lake City based Jamen said to FIBA.com: "Nothing in life comes easy. Nevertheless, I am confident that the players that my country chooses to move forward with at the Pre-Olympic tournament will represent the country well."

The WOQT will be Cameroon's first-ever appearance at a world level women's basketball competition and the question of the moment is how far could the team go.

Can they really win three games and make history as the first African team to advance from the WOQT? Jamen was a bit diplomatic.

"I am excited that Cameroon get to compete at one of the highest level of competition of women's basketball. Cameroon's chances in the pre-Olympic are as good as the team's preparations will be," said the 1.80m forward.

If I am called to play, and I am able to go, I will do my best to defend the colours of the nation. If I am not called to play, I will cheer for the ladies who will represent the Green/Red and Yellow [jersey]. - Jamen
Although Cameroon's Basketball Federation is yet to announce a preparation programme for the WOQT, Jamen has a plan in mind.

Someone once said success is when preparation meets opportunity, and I truly believe that. This pre-Olympic tournament is an opportunity. - Jamen
"In order for the team to succeed, there is an urgent need for a true, hard and dedicated preparation. That preparation should include (aside from practice, trainers, conditioning hours) doing some serious scouting on our opponents."