D’Tigers Unveil 17-Man Provisional Squad for 2025 FIBA AfroBasket

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced a 17-man provisional squad for D’Tigers ahead of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, set to take place in Angola from August 12 to 24.

Leading the roster is Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie, who makes a long-awaited return to the national team. Okogie previously featured for Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Also included is Caleb Agada, a key member of Al Ahli Tripoli and a recent winner of the 2025 Basketball Africa League. The squad blends experience and emerging talent, with seasoned players like Ike Nwamu, Mike Nuga, and Talib Zanna earning call-ups, alongside BAL participants Peter Olisemeka (Rivers Hoopers) and Devine Eke (ASCVD).

Others named in the preliminary team are Kareem Joseph, Wesley Iwundu, Ugochukwu Simon, Stanley Okoye, Folabomi Fayemi, Emmanuel Omogbo, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Jekiri Tonye.

Notably absent from the squad is Chimezie Metu, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury.

This will be D’Tigers’ first major outing since August 2023, when they featured in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lagos but missed out on qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The team is expected to begin training camp next week, after which the roster will be trimmed to the final 12 players for the tournament in Angola.

Nigeria will compete in Group B alongside title holders Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar. The campaign kicks off against Madagascar on August 13, followed by a clash with Tunisia on August 15, and concluding the group stage against Cameroon on August 17.

The knockout phase will commence on August 18, with the tournament final scheduled for August 24 at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.