By Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, to fly the nation’s flag with pride and determination as they prepare to compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers scheduled to hold in Angola from July 2 to July 5, 2026.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud, urging the players to approach every game with discipline, resilience, and the fighting spirit that has long defined Nigerian basketball.
“D’Tigers have demonstrated that they belong among Africa’s basketball elite.
“As they head to Angola, the National Sports Commission charges the team to roar once again, play with passion, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the nation. Nigerians believe in their ability, and we are confident they will give their very best in pursuit of World Cup qualification,” Olopade said.
Nigeria’s final 12-man roster features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as the team seeks to strengthen its qualification campaign on the continental stage.
Among the notable names selected are Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Stanley Okoye, Daniel Utomi, and brothers Uchenna (UC) Iroegbu and Ikenna (Ike) Iroegbu, who are expected to play key roles for the team in Angola.
Also included in the squad are Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Michael Eric, completing a formidable roster under the guidance of Head Coach David Fizdale.
D’Tigers head into the qualifiers with renewed optimism as Nigeria continues its quest to secure a place at the next FIBA Basketball World CupNigeria will begin its campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, July 2, before facing Guinea on Friday, July 3, and concluding the qualification window against Rwanda on Sunday, July 5.
The National Sports Commission wishes D’Tigers a successful outing and calls on Nigerians at home and across the diaspora to rally behind the team as they strive to once again make the nation proud on the continental stage.
