Head coach of Nigeria national Basketball team, Alex Nwora touched down in Lagos over the weekend alongside six foreign based players as the African champions enter the final stages of preparation for the defense of their title.
The contingent arrived the Murtala Mohammed Airport at 16:30, and they were received by Team Manager of D’Tigers, Musa Adamu.
Captain of the team, Ike Diogu, who currently plays for Asia Chinese Club, Jiangsu returned after the 2015 success in Tunisia.
Others selected by Coach Nwora included Anthony Okunsi (Europe D-League, Iceland), Ike Nwamu (NBA G-League Super Force), Bryant Ikenna Mbamalu (Europe Augustiaos Eras), Ike Iroegbu (NBA G-League) and Akinlolu Akingbala (Europe Araberi).
Briefly after arrival, Coach Alex highlighted his experience so far and expectations:
“We are a little bit behind schedule, because of the newly installed board. I came down with six players to integrate with the home based team, according to our president’s wish to develop grassroots in Nigeria.
“Within a week coaches Abdulraman and Adewuni Aderemi and myself would narrow down the team to 12 to 14 man rotation
“Our major target is to defend the title with local and foreign based, combined together,” the Coach explained.
Screening exercise continues on Monday, after a closed door training today, Sunday.
The 2017 AfroBasket tips off on 8 September and the championship will be co-hosted by Tunisia and Senegal.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
