The Nigeria Basketball Federation has released a 15-man roster led by Phoenix Suns center Chimezie Metu for D’Tigers Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lagos from August 12 to 20.
Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea, DR Congo, Tunisia, Mali, and Cameroon will all be at the competition to play for a spot in the proper Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
D’Tigers will slug it out against Senegal, Mali, and Uganda in Group A while Guinea, Cameroon, Tunisia, and DR Congo will face off in Group B. D’Tigers will face Senegal in their first group game before facing Mali in Game 2, and Uganda in their final group outing.
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Players such as Los Angeles Lakers’ Gabe Vincent, Phoenix Suns’ Josh Okogie, Indiana Pacers Jorsan Nwora, Toronto Raptors’ Precious Achiuwa, and San Antonio Spurs’ Charles Bassey would not be part of the contingent for the tournament.
However, NBA veteran Chimezie Metu has even been named in the 15-man roster having previously confirmed that he would be available for the qualifiers. Others are, EJ Anosike, Ike Ndugba, Michael Eric, Mike Nuga, Michael Daramola and Ibe Agu.
The team will be coached by Rivers Hoopers coach Ogor Odaudu also has in attendance Daniel Utomi, Warith Alatishe, Godwin Omenaka, UC Ireogbu, Victor Ezeh, Kanyisola Odufuwa, Michael Okiki, and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu.
A win for D’Tigers in the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament will see them feature in the final 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July 2024 for a spot in the basketball event of Paris 2024.
