FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: D’Tigers continue on race to China

D’Tigers players getting ready for their qaulifier ahead of China tourney

Anticipation is high as D’Tigers lead by seasoned head coach, Alex Nwora is returning to Nigeria to protect home soil and continue their perfect start on the road to China scheduled for the National stadium, between June 29- July 1.

Nigeria’s National basketball team joined FIBA in 1964 due to the steady increase of talents from Nigeria as well as the organized recruitment of professional players of Nigerian descent, especially from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The teams success has continued to grow and following a strong performance in Mali, D’Tigers are looking to book a place in the China 2019 edition.

The first leg of the qualifiers was held in Bamako, Mali, where D’Tigers became the third team to boast a 100 percent winning record in Africa. A particular highlight of this a blowout of host nation Mali. 82-59 to D’Tigers.

Emerging as runaway leaders of group B, there are many reasons to be optimistic as they return home to protect home soil.

Returners like Ben Uzoh, a former NBA player who currently hold an NBA record with the Toronto raptors as the first rookie with a triple double, and Ike Diogu, the 4th pick in the NBA draft, will be expected to maintain high level performances that proved instrumental for the team in Mali.

Preparation is expected to begin instantly with the team beginning training imminently before flying to Ivory Coast on Friday the 22nd to compete in two competitive friendlies vs Ivory Coast. The back room staff has expressed the importance of getting some synergy as this will be instrumental to the teams success.

Phase two of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers is slated for Lagos, Nigeria will begin on June 29 and go on until the July 1 at the National stadium.