The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, to fly the nation’s flag with pride and determination as they prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Angola from July 2 to 5, 2026.
The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud, urging the players to approach every game with discipline, resilience, and the fighting spirit that has long defined Nigerian basketball.
“D’Tigers have demonstrated that they belong among Africa’s basketball elite. As they head to Angola, the National Sports Commission charges the team to roar once again, playing with passion, unity, and unrelenting commitment to the nation. Nigerians believe in their ability, and we are confident they will give their very best in pursuit of World Cup qualification,” Olopade said.
Nigeria’s final 12-man squad features a blend of experienced internationals and exciting emerging talents as the team seeks to strengthen its qualification campaign.
Among the standout players selected are Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Stanley Okoye, Daniel Utomi, and brothers Uchenna (UC) Iroegbu and Ikenna (Ike) Iroegbu, all expected to play key roles for the team in Angola. Also included in the squad are Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Michael Eric, completing a formidable roster under the guidance of head coach David Fizdale.
D’Tigers head into the qualifiers with renewed optimism as they continue their quest to secure a place at the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Nigeria will open its campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, July 2, before taking on Guinea on Friday, July 3. The team will round off the qualification window against Rwanda on Sunday, July 5.
The NSC wished D’Tigers a successful outing and called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rally behind the team as they strive to make the nation proud once again on the continental stage.
