D’Tigers Announce 12-Man Squad for FIBA World Cup Qualifying

D’Tigers regrouped in Tunisia as head coach David Fizdale named a 12-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial fourth window of the 2027 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers. The roster featured a blend of established internationals and returning players as Nigeria began the second round of the African qualifying campaign with a spot at the World Cup in Qatar firmly in sight.

Fizdale selected Chimezie Metu, Josh Okogie, Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Chima Moneke, Ike Nwamu, Udoka Azubuike, Efe Abogidi, Ebuka Izundu, Manny Obaseki, Jordan Ogundiran, and Michael Efevberha. The American coach was supported by Dan Craig, Quinton Crawford, former D’Tigers captain Deji Akindele, and Dapo Adegbile.

One of the significant talking points surrounding the squad was the return of Moneke, who was set to make his first appearance for Nigeria in an official senior international match since the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers in February 2021. Moneke had been included in preliminary squads for major competitions, including the Tokyo Olympics, but did not make the final roster and had not featured for D’Tigers in an official game since.

Nigeria was among the 12 teams that progressed to the second round of the African qualifiers after the opening three windows in November 2025, February 2026, and July 2026. The second phase was expected to produce even greater pressure, with teams carrying their results from the first round into the next stage, making every remaining game significant in the battle for World Cup qualification.

Nigeria drew in a group alongside Cameroon, South Sudan, Guinea, hosts Tunisia, and Cape Verde. During the upcoming window in Tunisia, D’Tigers faced Cameroon on 27 August, then South Sudan the following day, and concluded their schedule for the window with a match against Cape Verde on 30 August.

In the second round, each team played the three sides that advanced from the other group, with two additional windows scheduled for August 2026 and February 2027. At the conclusion of the six additional games, the top two teams in each group would secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while the best third-placed team would also earn a ticket. The final qualifying window was scheduled for February 2027, with five African teams ultimately set to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. For D’Tigers, the immediate objective was to make a strong start in Tunisia and position themselves favorably in what promised to be a fiercely contested race for the continent’s World Cup tickets.