D’Tigress team will depart Lagos today for Bamako, Mali for the 2017 AfroBasket Championship aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight.
The delegation which will be led by the Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babatunde Ogunade, will include 12 registered players, three members of the technical crew led by Sam Vincent and four other backroom staff.
The playing staff made up of 14 players will be led by captain, Aisha Mohammed (University of Virginia) and 3rd overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Evelyn Akhator (Dallas Wings) who stormed the team’s camp on Monday evening.
Others players include Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain), Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain), Chioma Udeaja (First Bank Basketball club), Nkechi Akashili (First Bank Basketball club) and Upe Atosu (First Bank Basketball club).
The 12-man list was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the weeklong camping exercise will also have Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Israel)
The Technical crew will consist of two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun while Mfon Udoka (General Manager) and Amachree Mactaben (Player Development Manager) will form part of the delegation for this year’s apex women’s basketball tournament in Africa.
North West zonal representative on the NBBF board, Suraju Yusuff, Larai Garba (Team Doctor) and Bakare Umulkuthum (Physio) and Oni Afolabi (Media Officer) will complete the Nigerian team who will be gunning for their third AfroBasket trophy.
Meanwhile, in line with the NBBF’s long term plan, Adaeze Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Elawure Tina Odion (First Bank) who have been identified as future prospects have been added to the 12-man rooster as they continue their developmental programme with the national team.
The team will start its campaign against Mozambique on Saturday, August 19th.
