Nigeria Unveil 44-Man Preliminary Squad Ahead FIBA World Cup In China
Posted on June 28, 2019
EDENWOBODO CHUKWUEMEKA PATRICK
D’Tigers captain Ike Diogu
Nigeria have named a 44-man preliminary squad ahead of the China 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup with the list dominated by players playing in the United States.
Head Coach of Nigerian team, D’Tigers, Alex Nwora unveiled the squad Thursday after weeks of rigorous scouting.
The long list include D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu, Ben Uzoh, Ike Iroegbu, Agada Caleb, Emegano Obinna, Efevhera Michael, Portland Trailblazer’s Al Farouq Aminu, Stanley Okoye, Jordan Nwora, Aminu Alade, Tosin Mehinti, Zana Talib, Chris Obekpa and Ayodeji Akindele who all featured during the qualifiers for the World Cup.
Others include David Nwaba (Cleveland Cavaliers), Josh Akogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nwamu Ike (Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Michael Eric, Charles Bassey, Ike Obiagu, Achiuwa Precious, TK Edogi, Stephen Ugochukwu and Ado Abdul, Chimezie Metu (San Antonio Spurs), Ekpe Udoh (Utah Jazz) and recently drafted trio of Miye Oni (Miami Heat), Chuma Okeke (Orlando Magic) and Kezie Okpalla (Phoenix Suns).
Also/on the list are five Nigerian based stars, Agu Abuchi Ibe, Okpe Ocheibi Victor, Abdul Yahaya, Vincent Buchi Nwaiwu, Victor Koko with former Golden State Warriors player, Festus Ezeli, Michael Oguine, and Jordan Ogundiran.
Ogugua “OG” Anunoby (Toronto Raptors), Semi Ojeleye (Boston Celtic), Ochai Agbaji, Vincent Nnamdi, Stephen Domingos, Moneke Chima and Joshua Ifeoluwa Ajayi complete the 44- man list.
P.M. EXPRESS reports that the team’s camping for the China World Cup will officially dunk off on 7 July at Erie Community College, Buffalo, USA. Friendly games with fellow World Cup bound team have been lined up for the team by the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF).
It was understood that D’Tigers will play Dominican Republic at the Palacio de Los Deportes in San Domingo on 20 and 22 July, while also play against former NBA and Euro All Stars on 26 July to end the first phase of camping.
The NBA stars will however joined the team on 1 August for the second phase of camping which would have commenced on 29 July,. D’Tigers will travel to Toronto on 5 August to keep a date with the Canadian team foranother round of test games on 7 and 9 August.
The final 12-man list will depart for Nigeria on August 12, for the final round of training before leaving for China on August 18.
Nigeria battle Korea, Argentina and Russia in Group B.
Coach Nwora will be assisted by Glynn R. Cyrien (Ex Memphis Grizzlies), Mfon Kokoete Udofia (Atlanta Hawks) and Ogoh Odaudu (Rivers Hoopers)
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