- info@thetraffic.ng
- 7 Nasir El Rufai Crescent, Guzape
- Apple honors eight developers with annual Apple Design Awards
- PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MINING REFORMS YIELD SIX-FOLD INCREASE IN REVENUE, $800M FOREIGN INVESTMENT, REVEALS ALAKE
- Shettima Vows Federal Backing for Nigerian Investors: A Billion-Dollar Economy in Sight
- JAMB Raises Bar for Under-16 Admission as 599 Gifted Candidates Score Above 320 in UTME
- CPC Bloc Reaffirms Commitment to APC
- National Sports Commission Convenes Strategic Meeting With Sports Federations’ Presidents and Secretaries
- Nigeria Declares Bitcoin & Other Virtual Assets as Official Securities in Bold New Law
- Osinachi’s Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging
- Court of Appeal Upholds IPOB’s Terrorist Status – What This Means for Nnamdi Kanu
- IG Orders Arrest Of Cops’ Killers During Abuja Shi’ite Procession
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have landed in Tunis, Tunisia, as preparations intensify ahead of the opening window of the Qatar 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. The team, led by Head Coach Abdulrahaman Mohammed, is set for a crucial campaign that will determine their path back to the global stage.
Coach Mohammed announced a formidable 12-man roster before departure, blending Europe- and America-based professionals with standout performers from the Nigerian league. Headlining the squad is veteran guard and 2015 Afrobasket champion Stanley Okoye, the most experienced player in the team and a vital leadership figure for the qualifiers.
The roster reflects Nigeria’s strategic push to elevate domestic basketball, with three home-based players making the final list. Two of them — Chinkpa Garba and Obekpa Chris — were instrumental in Lagos Legends’ recent championship triumph, while Paul Dibal of Gboko City Chiefs earned his call-up following a breakout season.
Full 12-Man Roster
Jordan Ogundiran (Denmark)
Ike Nwamu (Ankara, Turkey)
Mike Nuga (Canada)
Simon Ugochukwu (Italy)
Stanley Okoye (Spain)
Paul Dibal (Gboko City Chiefs, Nigeria)
Augustine Okafor (United Kingdom)
Talib Zanna (USA)
Chinkpa Garba (Lagos Legends, Nigeria)
Obekpa Chris (Lagos Legends, Nigeria)
Udeze Morris Chidera (Spain)
Olisa Akinobi (USA)
The technical team accompanying the squad also brings a wealth of global experience, with Assistant Coaches Akindele Ayodeji (USA) and Job Nelson (Bahrain), alongside Video Coach Onyebuchi Onyeka (USA), reinforcing the team’s tactical depth.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Makes Historic Debut in IBSF World Cup 2-Woman Bobsleigh
The African Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup will unfold across five windows, beginning in November 2025 and ending in February 2027. Nigeria has been drawn into Group C, where they will battle Rwanda, Guinea, and hosts Tunisia for a coveted ticket to continue their journey toward World Cup qualification.
With the mix of veteran leadership, new local talent, and tactical readiness, D’Tigers enter the Tunis window confident and determined to re-establish Nigeria’s dominance on the African basketball scene.
The qualifiers tip off later this week, and all eyes will be on the Nigerian contingent as they begin their march toward Qatar 2027.
No Comments