By Daily sports on July 10, 2021

Nigeria have announced a 16-man training camp roster in advance of a trio of exhibition games in Las Vegas, where D'Tigers will face the United States on Saturday, Argentina on Monday, and Australia on Tuesday.

The 16-man roster features eight active NBA players, namely Precious Achiuwa (Miami Heat), Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings), Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks), Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons), Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), KZ Okpala (Heat), Miye Oni (Utah Jazz) and Gabe Vincent (Heat).

Additionally, Michael Gbinije and Ekpe Udoh also have experience in the NBA.

“We’ve had a very competitive camp and the players have brought a ton of energy to our practice sessions so far,” Nigeria head coach Mike Brown said.

“Having said that, we’re really looking forward to finally having the opportunity to play against a different colored jersey in these upcoming exhibition games.

“It’ll be a great challenge for us to compete with some of the top teams in the Olympic field and get a chance to showcase our talent and refine our game before heading to Tokyo.”

Nigeria will reduce the roster to 12 players prior to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

D'Tigers tip-off their Olympic schedule against Australia on July 25 to open play in Group B of the preliminary round, followed by games against Germany and Italy.

The 2020 Olympic Games mark Nigeria’s third straight Olympic appearance, after competing in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Brown, who is also an assistant coach for Golden State Warriors after head coaching stints with Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, is the first active NBA coach to lead Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Training Camp Roster

Precious Achiuwa (Miami Heat), Caleb Agada (Hapeol Be’er Sheva BC, Israel), Obi Emegano (Fuenlabrada, Spain), Michael Gbinije (BC Nevezis, Lithuania), Ike Iroegbu (Elan Chalon, France), Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings), Chima Moneke (Orleans, France), Ike Nwamu (Samara, Russia), Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks, NBA), Jahlil Okafor (Detroit Pistons), Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Stanley Okoye (Gran Canaria, Spain), KZ Okpala (Miami Heat), Miye Oni (Utah Jazz), Ekpe Udoh (Beijing RF, China), Gabe Vincent (Miami Heat). (ESPN)

•PHOTO: Nigeria’s basketball team

Source Daily sports

Posted July 10, 2021

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