By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Nigeria Basketball Federation officially announced a strong 12-player roster on Wednesday for the upcoming FIBA window.
Headlining the squad is Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet star Chima Moneke, marking his return to the senior national team. This selection represents Moneke’s first unveiling with the D’Tigers since playing during the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers. Joining him on the roster is his Zvezda teammate Ebuka Izundu, who is set to make his senior international debut with the program.
Head coach David Fizdale, who was appointed as the selector in May, has assembled a high-caliber lineup that features a strong mix of current and former NBA talent, including Utah Jazz guard Josh Okogie, bringing elite defensive presence. Former NBA bigs Udoka Azubuike and Chimezie Metu inject significant power and experience into the frontcourt. The remainder of the available rotation includes an array of seasoned and versatile players, featuring Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Ike Nwamu, Efe Abogidi, Manny Obaseki, Jordan Ogundiran, and Michael Efevberha.
This group is tasked with steering Nigeria through a complicated situation in Group E of the Africa Qualifiers. Carrying a 4–2 record from the previous phase, they currently sit deadlocked with South Sudan, Guinea, and Tunisia as they embark on a fresh six-game schedule. Nigeria will start this slate in Rades, Tunisia, locking horns with Cameroon on August 27, battling South Sudan on August 28, and concluding the window against Cape Verde on August 30. Cameroon currently leads the standings with a 5-1 record, while Cape Verde trails closely at 3-3.
The stakes are incredibly high for Fizdale’s squad, as only the top two countries will secure an automatic berth to the final stage next summer in Qatar, with the best overall third-placed nation across both remaining qualifying pools also advancing.
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