All is now set for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as the D’Tigers and D’Tigress coaches have released their final 12-man roster, after about a month of camping exercises in Sacramento and Las Vegas.
D’Tigers head coach, Mike Brown, selected Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Miami Heat’s trio of Gabe Vincent, KZ Okpala and Precious Achiuwa.
Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons), Miye Oni (Utah Jazz) are both in line to make their debuts for Nigeria following their selection in the final 12 man roster.
Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks) will join Caleb Agada (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Obi Emegano (Fuenlabrada, Spain), Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings) and Ike Nwamu (Samara, Russia).
The team, which recorded two famous wins against the USA (World number 1) and Argentina (number 4) before a loss to Australia in their last tune-up game, will also include Ekpe Udoh who just completed a move to Virtus Bologna in the Italian Serie A.
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According to the latest power ranking compiled by analysts, D’Tigers are rated fourth with just a week to the commencement of the basketball event.
D’Tigers are grouped alongside Italy, Australia and Germany in what analysts describe as a difficult group.
All eyes will be on Adaora Elonu, Aisha Balarabe, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Atonye Nyingifa, Ezinne Kalu, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah and Ify Ibekwe at the Olympics ahead of D’Tigress first game against the USA on the 27th of July.
Coach Otis Hughley who led the team to the 2019 Afrobasket win in Senegal also picked Oderah Chidom, Victoria Macaulay, Erica Ogwumike and Amy Okonkwo to complete a strong list of players roaring to conquer the world in the oriental city of Tokyo.
The last four players on the list are in line to make their competitive debut for Nigeria at the games.
D’Tigress resumed Olympics camping in February and played a series of tune-up games as they are set to face the USA, France and host-Japan.
The 5 months of camping, to date, remains the longest in the history of the Nigerian basketball team’s preparation for the Olympics.
