After weeks of scouting, D’Tigers Head Coach, Alex Nwora, has released a 44-man preliminary list ahead of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup in China.
A statement by the Federation said that the camping exercise will commence on July 7 in Erie Community College, Buffalo, U.S.
The invited players include D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu, Ben Uzoh, Ike Iroegbu, Agada Caleb, Emegano Obinna, Efevhera Michael, Portland Trailblazer’s Al Farouq Aminu, Stanley Okoye, Jordan Nwora, Aminu Alade, Tosin Mehinti, Zana Talib, Chris Obekpa and Ayodeji Akindele who all featured during the qualifiers.
Others include David Nwaba (Cleveland Cavaliers), Josh Akogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nwamu Ike (Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Michael Eric, Charles Bassey, Ike Obiagu, Achiuwa Precious, TK Edogi, Stephen Ugochukwu and Ado Abdul, Chimezie Metu (San Antonio Spurs),
It also include Ekpe Udoh (Utah Jazz) and recently drafted trio of Miye Oni (Miami Heat), Chuma Okeke (Orlando Magic) and Kezie Okpalla (Phoenix Suns).
Nwora also extended invitation to five Nigerian based stars–Agu Abuchi Ibe, Okpe Ocheibi Victor, Abdul Yahaya, Vincent Buchi Nwaiwu, Victor Koko Anthony alongside former Golden State Warriors player, Festus Ezeli, Michael Oguine and Jordan Ogundiran.
Ogugua “OG” Anunoby (Toronto Raptors), Semi Ojeleye (Boston Celtic), Ochai Agbaji, Vincent Nnamdi, Stephen Domingos, Moneke Chima and Joshua Ifeoluwa Ajayi complete the 44- man list.
The statement said as part of the NBBF’s effort to effectively prepare the team, D’Tigers will face fellow World Cup-bound Dominican Republic at the Palacio de Los Deportes in San Domingo on July 20th and July 22nd.
”They will play another test game against Ex NBA and Euro All Stars on the July 26, as they round off the first phase of camping.
”The second phase of camping will commence on July 29, while the invited NBA players are expected to report to camp on Aug. 1 before departing for Toronto on Aug. 5 where they will be facing Canada on Aug. 7 and Aug. 9.
”Nwora will be assisted by Glynn R. Cyrien (Ex Memphis Grizzlies), Mfon Kokoete Udofia (Atlanta Hawks) and Ogoh Odaudu (Rivers Hoopers)
”The final 12-man list will depart for Nigeria on Aug. 12 for the final round of training before leaving for China on Aug. 18.
Nigeria will battle Korea, Argentina and Russia in Group B of the World Cup billed for China.