NBBF Announces D'Tigers Squad for 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has confirmed the 12-man D'Tigers squad that will compete in the third qualifying window for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Luanda, Angola, from July 2 to July 5.

The tournament will mark the first competitive assignment for newly appointed head coach David Fizdale, who takes charge of the senior men's national team with the goal of guiding Nigeria back to the global stage.

Fizdale has selected a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents. The roster includes Uchenna Ireogbu, Ikenna Ireogbu, Caleb Agada, Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal, Stanley Okoye, Daniel Utomi, Chimezie Metu, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Akobundu-Ehiogu Kaodirichi and Michael Eric.

Nigeria will battle Guinea, Rwanda and Tunisia in Group C, with every fixture expected to play a crucial role in determining which teams progress to the next phase of the qualification campaign.

NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform strongly while welcoming Fizdale to his first official competition in charge of D'Tigers.

He described the American coach as an experienced leader capable of taking Nigerian basketball to greater heights, adding that the federation believes he is the right person to lead the team's new era.

Kida also congratulated the selected players, reminding them of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria on the international stage.

He urged them to play with commitment, discipline and pride as they aim to secure valuable victories in Angola and strengthen the country's chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.