NBF Unveils D’Tigers Squad For FIBA Basketball W/Cup Qualifiers
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBF) released a twelve-man roster for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, with new head coach David Fizdale set to lead the D’Tigers into their first competitive assignment.
The qualifiers will begin on Thursday June 2, in Angola, where Nigeria will face Tunisia, Guinea and Rwanda in a crucial bid to strengthen their qualification hopes for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The squad is a mixture of experienced internationals with proven performers from leagues across Europe, North America and Africa, which underlines Nigeria’s determination to return to the global stage.
Leading the team is former NBA forward Chimezie Metu, whose inclusion provides a major boost in both leadership and versatility. He is joined by experienced guards Stan Okoye, Ike Iroegbu, and UC Iroegbu, while Caleb Agada returns after establishing himself as one of D’Tigers’ most consistent performers in recent years.
The squad also features Daniel Utomi, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Wesley Iwundu, Michael Eric, and Paul Dibal, giving Fizdale a balanced mix of size, athleticism, perimeter shooting and defensive options.
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Fizdale will be assisted by a coaching crew comprising assistants David Vanterpool, Ekpe Udoh, Caesar Adim and Deji Akindele, as Nigeria begins a new era under one of the most accomplished coaching staff assembled by the national team.
Nigeria will play three games in Angola, first on June 2 July against Tunisia, second on 3 July against Guinea and Rwanda on July 5.
D’Tigers will be aiming for a strong start under Fizdale as they seek to re-establish themselves among Africa’s basketball elite. The combination of seasoned internationals, experienced coaching and renewed ambition offers D’Tigers an opportunity to make an early statement when the qualifiers get underway in Angola.