D’Tigers coach, Alex Nwora, has invited 15 players to take part in the final of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup qualification series, scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from February 18.
Although the Nigeria men’s basketball team were the first in the world to qualify for the World Cup, coach Nwora is not slowing down his tactical approach in the final series of qualifiers.
D’Tigers are on a nine-match winning streak and they hope to retain their form into the World Cup.
In the list released by the Nigeria Basketball Federation on Wednesday, only overseas players have been called to action for the team.
The list is dominated by players who were unable to represent the county at the last set of qualifiers in Lagos.
2015 Afrobasket winner, Micheal Umeh, and Ekene Ibekwe, who last played for D’Tigress at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, have both been handed a chance to represent the county next month.
Other players who would be making a return to the team include, Christopher Obekpa, Obinna Emegano, Jekin Tonye and Micheal Efevbeha.
Team captain and Sichuan Blue Whales player, Ike Diogu, Stanley Okoye, Alade Aminu, Bryant Mbamalu, Ikechukwu Iroegbu, Ike Nwamu, Braxton Ogbueze, Ayodeji Akindele, and Talib Zana complete the 15-man list.
Nwora said the team has begun preparations for the 2019 World Cup, and every player deserves a chance to prove their worth to the lineup.
“We were the first country in the world to qualify for the World Cup and it is very important that we start our preparation.
“The journey to get the team ready for the World Cup is a long one, but I am happy with the progress we have made so far.” — Alex Nwora
D’Tigers will play host, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic, and Senegal.
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