D’Tigers unveil final squad for 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have confirmed their final 12-player squad for the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tunisia.

Head coach Abdulrahaman Mohammed revealed a roster that balances seasoned professionals with rising stars from the Nigerian league, a strategy aimed at restoring Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.

The squad is headlined by veteran guard Stanley Okoye, a 2015 AfroBasket champion and one of Nigeria’s most experienced active players. His leadership and international pedigree are expected to provide stability in a tough qualifying window.

Several foreign-based players also make the list, including Jordan Ogundiran (Denmark), Ike Nwamu (Ankara, Turkey), Mike Nuga (Canada), Simon Ugochukwu (Italy), Talib Zanna (USA), Udeze Morris Chidera (Spain), Olisa Akinobi (USA), and Augustine Okafor (United Kingdom).

The roster also features three standout players from the Nigerian basketball league: Chinkpa Garba (Lagos Legends), Obekpa Chris (Lagos Legends), and Paul Dibal (Gboko City Chiefs).

D’Tigers will compete in Group C, facing Rwanda, Guinea and host nation Tunisia.

The African qualifiers will be played across five windows, running from November 2025 to February 2027, with teams battling for limited World Cup spots.