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Head coaches of the Nigerian senior male and female basketball teams have released their final roster for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Coach Mike Brown of the D’Tigers released his 12-man list after about a month in camp (Sacramento and Las Vegas).

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NBA stars such as Josh Okogie who plies his trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the trio of Gabe Vincent, Precious Achiuwa, and KZ Okpala (Miami Heat), Detroit Pistons’ Jahlil Okafor, and Miye Oni (Utah Jazz), would be looking to make a mark with the Nigerian team. Recently crowned NBA champion, Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks), also made the cut alongside Chimezie Metu of the Sacramento Kings. Others include Obi Emeghano of Fuenlabrada, Spain, Ike Nwamu (Samara, Russia), Ekpe Udo (Virtus Bologna, Italy), and Israeli-based Caleb Agada (Hapoel Be’er Sheva).

After impressive wins against the USA and Argentina before losing to Australia in their tune-up games, D’Tigers head to Tokyo to confront Italy, Australia, and Germany in Group B.

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Coach Otis Hugely of the D’Tigress listed team captain, Adaora Elonu, Aisha Balarabe (the only member of the squad with an Olympics experience), Ezinne Kalu, Ify Ibekwe, Atonye Nyingifa, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah, Promise Amukamara, Elizabeth Balogun, and Amy Okonkwo. The trio of Erica Ogwumike, Victoria Macauly, and Oderah Chisom complete the list ahead of the team’s first game against the United States on July 27, 2021.

Otis Hugely who led Nigeria to glory in the 2019 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket, has been in camp with his girls since February 2021 (5 months), playing series of tune-up games ahead of their Group B clashes against the USA, France, and Olympic hosts, Japan. Source: Instagram @nigeriabasketball Featured Image Source: @nigeriabasketball – Instagram

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This article was first published on 23rd July 2021

ugo-chinedu

I am a Lion, I love to hit heights that seem impossible so I can motivate others and prove doubters wrong. For me, impossible is nothing. I'm open to learning and I love to read, travel and meet new faces.