The camp of Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, is gaining momentum in Abuja as preparations intensify for the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket tournament.
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) recently unveiled a provisional 12-man roster headlined by Josh Okogie, the newest acquisition of the Houston Rockets, and 2025 BAL champion Caleb Agada.
Also named in the initial squad are Ike Nwamu, Mike Nuga, Talib Zanna, Peter Olisemeka, Devine Eke, Kareem Joseph, Wesley Iwundu, Ugochukwu Simon, Stanley Okoye, Folabomi Fayemi, Emmanuel Omogbo, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Tonye Jekiri.
With the training camp officially underway this week, only nine players have reported so far. Early arrivals include Stanley Okoye, Talib Zanna, Mike Nuga, Christian Mekowulu, Devine Eke, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Martins Igbanu, and Andrew Ugo Simon.
More players are expected to join in the coming days as head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman and his technical crew work to build team chemistry ahead of Nigeria’s opening game on August 13—just one week away.
Coach Abdulrahman will be aiming to guide Nigeria to a stronger showing than in the 2021 edition, where D’Tigers suffered a disappointing pre-quarterfinal exit following a shock defeat to Uganda.
The 31st edition of the FIBA AfroBasket tournament will run from August 12 to 24 in Angola, featuring 16 participating nations.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar.
The D’Tigers will open their campaign against Madagascar on August 13, face Tunisia on August 15, and wrap up the group stage against Cameroon on August 17.
The knockout phase begins on August 18, culminating in the final on August 24 at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.
Angola’s capital city Luanda and the southern city of Namibe will serve as host venues. While Namibe will stage group phase games, Luanda will host select group matches and all final-round fixtures.