By Joe Apu
Head coach of the Nigeria men’s national team, Alex Nwora last night named a provisional 14-man team to defend the AfroBasket title Nigeria won in 2015 in Tunisia.
The list which includes 4 home based players from the Nigeria domestic league sponsored by Kwese Sports is led by Captain One Diogu who also led Nigeria to her first title in Tunisia in 2015.
He is complimented by NBA star, Daniel Ochefu of the Washington Wizards. Among the four home based players in the team in accordance to the philosophy of the Musa Kida led board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF are Usman Abubakar, Azuoms Dike both of Mark Mentors of Abuja and Victor Koko ( Rivers Hoopers) as well as Abdul Yahaya.
Captain of the team, Diogu after the team’s second friendly game told Daily Sunsports at the Realm Valium Stadium in Lagos that the team is returning to a familiar terrain in Tunisia while stating that the team was not under pressure from any quarters.
“Tunisia holds fond memories for us and returning there means a lot to me. As for this present squad, I will tell you that we’re ready for action. We don’t intend to underrate any team but we’ll take each game one after the other.”
Other members of the squad are Ikechukwu Anuna, Deji Akindele, Okoro Akumunu, Alone Akingbala, Ike Iroegbu and Anthony Odunsi.
Nigeria begin her defence against Cote D’angelo Umpire at the AfroBasket 2017 championship to be co-hosted by Senegal and Tunisia.
(1)Musa usman
(2)Abdul Yahaya –
(3)Dike Azuoma-
(4) Victor Anthony
(5) Diogu Ike
(6)Deji Akindele-
(7)O’karo Akamune
(8)Bryant Mbamalu –
(9)Ike Nwamu-
(10)Aki Akingbala-
(11)Ike Iroegbu –
(12)Anthony Odunsi-
(13)Kelechi Anuna-
(14) Daniel ochefu