Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have landed in Tunis ahead of the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, with head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed unveiling a refreshed 12-man roster blending overseas experience and rising homegrown talent.
The team touched down on Wednesday and immediately settled into camp as preparations continue for their first qualifying game scheduled for Thursday.
Stanley Okoye Leads Nigeria’s 12-Man Squad
Veteran guard Stanley Okoye, a 2015 Afrobasket champion and the team’s longest-serving player, headlines the roster. The Spain-based star provides leadership for a squad built around balance — experience in Europe and North America mixed with standout performers from the Nigerian league.
The Nigeria Basketball Federation emphasized its continued commitment to strengthening domestic basketball, reflected by the inclusion of three home-based players:
- Chinkpa Garba – Lagos Legends
- Obekpa Chris – Lagos Legends
- Paul Dibal – Gboko City Chiefs
All three earned their places through strong domestic performances, with Lagos Legends recently crowned champions of the Nigerian league.
D’Tigers 12-Man Roster for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
-
Jordan Ogundiran – Denmark
-
Ike Nwamu – Ankara, Turkey
-
Mike Nuga – Canada
-
Simon Ugochukwu – Italy
-
Stanley Okoye – Spain
-
Paul Dibal – Gboko City Chiefs (Nigeria)
-
Augustine Okafor – United Kingdom
-
Talib Zanna – USA
-
Chinkpa Garba – Lagos Legends (Nigeria)
-
Obekpa Chris – Lagos Legends (Nigeria)
-
Udeze Morris Chidera – Spain
-
Olisa Akinobi – USA
Nigeria Set to Begin Group C Battles
D’Tigers will compete in Group C, where they are set to face Tunisia, Rwanda, and Guinea in what will be the first of five qualification windows stretching from November 2025 to February 2027.
Nigeria missed the previous edition of the World Cup and now begin their attempt to secure one of Africa’s coveted qualification spots.
Aiming for a Strong Start
The qualifiers feature 16 AfroBasket 2025 teams divided into four groups of four. Results across the five windows will determine which nations progress to the global championship.
With a blend of proven veterans, overseas prospects, and in-form homegrown talent, D’Tigers will look to re-establish themselves as one of Africa’s dominant forces.
