Lagos: D’Tigers have unveiled their final line-up for the Men’s AfroBasket Championship, set for Angola from Aug. 12 to Aug. 24. Nigeria’s men’s basketball team is in pursuit of their second continental title, a decade after their first triumph in 2015. The team has been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon, with their opening match against Madagascar scheduled for Aug. 13.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Coach Mohammed Abdulrahman has made significant changes to the team after rigorous preparations. Fola Fayemi, Kareem Joseph, and Mohamed AbdulSalam have been removed from the training camp, while Peter Olisemeka will not participate after being deemed ineligible. The roster is headlined by star guard Josh Okogie, who is joined by experienced players Talib Zanna, Ike Nwamu, Stan Okoye, and Caleb Agada. The team also welcomes rising talents such as Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, and Emmanuel Omogbo.
This year’s AfroBasket marks the 31st edition since its inception in 1962. Angola leads the historical charts with 11 titles, while Tunisia enters the tournament as the reigning champions. Sixteen nations are set to compete for the prestigious trophy. D’Tigers aim to emulate the success of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who currently hold the title of Africa’s champions.
