The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, to represent the country with pride as they prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Angola.
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D’Tigers will compete in the qualification window from July 2 to July 5, taking on Tunisia, Guinea and Rwanda as they continue their quest for a place at the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver strong performances and urged the players to uphold Nigeria’s rich basketball tradition.
D’Tigers must make Nigeria proud. They have consistently shown they belong among Africa’s basketball elite, and we believe they will compete with passion, unity and determination,” Olopade said.
The final 12-man squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talents, as Head Coach David Fizdale looks to strengthen Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
Among the key players selected are Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Stanley Okoye, Daniel Utomi, Uchenna (UC) Iroegbu, Ikenna (Ike) Iroegbu, Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu and Michael Eric.
“Nigerians believe in this team, and we’re confident the players will give everything to secure positive results in Angola,” Olopade added.
Nigeria will open its campaign against Tunisia on July 2, before facing Guinea the following day and rounding off the qualification window against Rwanda on July 5.
The National Sports Commission also called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rally behind D’Tigers as the team bids to strengthen its chances of qualifying for the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.
