NSC Charges D’Tigers to Excel in Angola, Unveils Final Squad for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, to make the nation proud as they prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Angola from July 2 to July 5, 2026.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver strong performances, urging the players to compete with discipline, resilience and the fighting spirit that has become synonymous with 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, play 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.
The final 12-man squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talents as Nigeria intensifies its quest for a place at the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The roster includes Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Stanley Okoye, Daniel Utomi, Uchenna (UC) Iroegbu, Ikenna (Ike) Iroegbu, Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu and Michael Eric. The team will be led by Head Coach David Fizdale.
Nigeria will begin its qualification campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, July 2, before taking on Guinea on Friday, July 3, and rounding off the window against Rwanda on Sunday, July 5.
The NSC also called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support D’Tigers throughout the qualifiers, expressing optimism that the team can strengthen its bid to qualify for the next FIBA Basketball World Cup with a successful outing in Angola.
