D'Tigers unveil 12-man squad for make-or-break World Cup qualifying window in Angola

Posted : 30 June 2026

Nigeria's senior men's basketball team, D'Tigers, will travel to Angola with a 29-member delegation, including 12 players and 17 officials, for the decisive FIBA Africa World Cup qualifying window beginning on July 2 in Luanda.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announced the final roster on Sunday, with experienced campaigners Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Ikenna Iroegbu, Uchenna Iroegbu, Christian Mekowulu, Paul Dibal, and Michael Eric leading the squad as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its qualification hopes.

The squad also includes Stanley Okoye, Kaodiri Akobundu-Ehiogu, Martins Igbanu, Wesley Iwundu, and Uzodinma Utomi, bringing a blend of experience and youthful energy to the team. The average age of the squad is 29.9 years.

All eyes will be on newly appointed head coach David Fizdale, who is set to oversee his first competitive games with D'Tigers. He will be supported by a 17-member backroom staff comprising assistant coaches, trainers, medical personnel, equipment managers, a security officer, media officer, the team's General Manager, Chief of Staff, and the NBBF Secretary.

One notable omission from the technical crew is Abdulrahman Mohammed, who led the team during the opening qualifying window.

Nigeria is expected to arrive in Luanda on Tuesday, leaving the team with only one full training session before opening its campaign against Tunisia on Thursday. The tight schedule presents an added challenge for Fizdale as he looks to quickly integrate his ideas ahead of the crucial encounter.

D'Tigers currently sit third in the qualification group behind Guinea and Tunisia, with Rwanda occupying the bottom spot. A strong showing in Angola will be vital if Nigeria is to remain on course for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

D'Tigers squad: Michael Eric, Stanley Okoye, Caleb Agada, Wesley Iwundu, Ikenna Iroegbu, Christian Mekowulu, Chimezie Metu, Martins Igbanu, Uzodinma Utomi, Uchenna Iroegbu, Kaodiri Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Paul Dibal.

Securing positive results in Luanda remains the ultimate objective for this experienced roster as they navigate a highly demanding schedule under new leadership. The team's ability to quickly find synergy on the court will determine their success against formidable continental rivals. Basketball fans across the nation will be watching closely to see if the squad can secure their ticket to the global stage.

D'Tigers unveil 12-man squad for make-or-break World Cup qualifying window in Angola

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