Erico Leads D'Tigers Squad to Angola for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Posted : 30 June 2026

D'Tigers have arrived in Luanda, Angola, ahead of the third qualifying window for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with experienced guard Michael Erico leading Nigeria's 12-player squad.

The Nigerian delegation comprises 29 members, including 12 players and 17 officials. The team landed in Angola on Tuesday and will have only one full training session before opening their campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, July 2.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announced the squad on Sunday, selecting a blend of experienced internationals and established professionals. The roster includes Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Paul Dibal, Ikenna Iroegbu, Uchenna Iroegbu and Christian Mekowulu, with the squad averaging 29.9 years in age.

Also named in the team are Stanley Okoye, Kaodiri Akobundu-Ehiogu, Martins Igbanu, Wesley Iwundu and Uzodinma Utomi. The experienced core has been assembled to strengthen Nigeria's chances of securing qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

Erico returns as one of the senior figures in the squad after representing Nigeria for more than a decade. The son of the late Joe Erico, a respected figure in Nigerian football development, brings valuable international experience to a team looking to improve its qualification position.

The qualifying tournament also marks the first competitive assignment for newly appointed head coach David Fizdale. The former NBA coach is supported by a technical crew comprising five assistant coaches and two trainers as he begins his tenure with the national team.

The travelling delegation also includes the team's General Manager, Chief of Staff, two equipment managers, medical personnel, a security officer, media officer and the NBBF Secretary. However, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who guided D'Tigers during the opening qualifying window, is not part of the current coaching staff.

Nigeria enter the Luanda window in third place in their qualification group. Guinea lead the standings, with Tunisia occupying second position, while Rwanda are fourth.

With limited preparation time before facing Tunisia, D'Tigers will need to settle quickly under Fizdale's leadership. Strong performances in Angola will be crucial as Nigeria seek to climb the standings and boost their chances of reaching the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Erico Leads D'Tigers Squad to Angola for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

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