Nigeria have announced one of their strongest national rosters ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Led by head coach Mike Brown, who had the tough task of trimming the 49-man squad to just 15, the talented squad looks forward as the sole African representatives.
Twelve countries will compete in Tokyo for Olympic Gold in Men’s Basketball and the Nigerians are primed to provide a competitive touch of basketball. Nigeria are grouped with Australia, Germany, and Italy. Germany and Italy qualified for the Olympics after successful outings at their respective Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) in Serbia and Croatia.
The 15-man list is headlined by 8 National Basketball Association (NBA) stars- one in particular who’s had the sweet taste of winning in Jahlil Okafor. The Detroit Pistons Center was a freshman in college on the Duke NCAA Championship in 2015.
In the aftermath of winning one of the biggest basketball tournaments in the world, Okafor was drafted third to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The big man played a big part in that final showing talent beyond his years – and Okafor has grown tremendously as a p hi layer since then too.
The star studded national team also features Jordan Nwora – who is in his rookie campaign with NBA finalists the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nigeria narrowly avoided the group of death competing with the United States of America and France.
The team has NBA G-League 2019-2020 Most improved player Gabe Vincent. Vincent’s hard work and growth has translated to joining NBA Franchise the Miami Heat. Vincent averaged just under five points with the Heat after signing a one-year contract.
Vincent is joined by Chikezie ‘KZ’ Okpala and recent Miami Heat draftee Precious Achuiwa. Minnesota Timberwolves are represented by Josh Okogie, who returns to the national side after featuring in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
A Nigerian side blooming with confidence, after going undefeated (6-0) in the African Basketball Championship (AfroBasket) Qualifying tournament, and revitalized after adding a number of creative players.
Point Guard Ike Iroegbu, who averaged 13.2 points per game in a phenomenal performance in AfroBasket Qualifying proceedings, is a welcome return to the roster. Sacramento Kings Center Metu Chimezie is a welcome return after helping the Nigerians reach the Olympics in China.
Ekpe Udoh, Calab Agada and Stanley Okoye also return to the national team after past stints. After missing out on the 2019 global basketball showpiece in China, Spanish-based Obi Emegano returns to the national team.
D’Tigres (Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball team) will be without two ex-captains Ike Diogu and Ben Uzoh – the latter plys his trade in the Basketball African League with Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers.
The full team 15-man roster:
Precious Achiuwa, Calab Agada, Micheal Gbinije, Obi Emegano, Micheal Gbinije, Ike Iroegbu, Chimezie Metu, Chima Moneke, Jordan Nwora, Miye Oni, Jahlil Okafor, Josh Okogie, Stanley Okoye, Ekpe Udoh and Gabe Vincent.
