Nigeria national team

[Federoy]

I think this article partially explains why the Nigerians have been absent from many of the major preparation tournaments.

From the Nigerian Tribune:

NBBF waits on Ministry for funds - Ahead FIBA World Championship
Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 02.08.2006

AS the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) prepares for the forthcoming FIBA World Basketball Championship, slated for Japan between August 19 and September 3, the Federal Ministry of Sports and Social Development is yet to release funds to the federation.


Tribunesports scooped that the ministry is the federation of funds needed for training and the championship proper less than three weeks to the commencement of the championship.


Tribunesports also reliably gathered that the federation was only able to raise 15,000 dollars for the team currently in camp in Dallars, United States of America.


The money could only cover the players’ allowances and accommodation for a few weeks leaving the players and officials stranded afterward.


Confirming the story to Tribunesports on Sunday evening during the Final Four of the Vmobile Premier Basketball League which was won by Plateau Peaks, NBBF’s Dr. Adamu Ahmed, described the situation as pathetic, saying, “NBBF needs funds to execute the championship but as at now we are yet to receive a dime from the government, knowing that it is a major championship that needs serious attention, but we are toying wit it.”


Ahmed, though did not dislose the actual amount requested from the ministry but maintained that the federation needed huge amount of money to execute the programme as the 15,000 dollars raised could not go anywhere.


Meanwhile, NBBF president, Buba Gyang, also speaking on Sunday, raised hope when he disclosed that he had a discussion with the ministry on the funds needed and that the response was positive.


“On the championship in Japan, I had discussion with the Sports Ministry and want to assure you that it was positive and I hope that NBBF will hear from them soon,” Gyang, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs said.

[jaja]

they are currently in the finals in South africa for the juniors. theyjust beat congo so hopefully they can get over these problems at the senior level

[Federoy]

I'm a little concerned about the seniors preparation for the WC. Several weeks ago, I emailed one of the Nigerian players (Ikuesan Olusegun) and asked him about the status of the team and he said they were preparing well. They played a few games in Dallas (USA) against a NBA summer team and some AAU teams. I would have liked to see them play in more pre-WC tournaments. I think the experience against a Spain or a Lithuania would have helped them prepare better for Japan. I wish them luck.

[jaja]

thanks. i agree they need more experience, but more importanly they need better recruitment. there are many nigerians that could play for nigeria but simply dont come on board.

i'd love to get a chance to see them play someday. maybe in new york

[stuart]

From the New York Times: Link to Article (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/14/sports/basketball/14olajuwon.html?ref=basketball)


Long Arms Groom Nigeria’s Long Shot By THAYER EVANS
HOUSTON, Aug. 13 — Playing for the Nigerian junior national team in the All-African Games in 1979, Hakeem Olajuwon demonstrated so much potential that an opposing basketball coach recommended he attend college in the United States.

Less than a year later, Olajuwon, a skinny 7-foot teenager, landed a scholarship at the University of Houston.

Olajuwon led the Cougars to consecutive N.C.A.A. championship games before the Houston Rockets selected him as the first pick of the 1984 N.B.A. draft.

He retired 18 years later with two titles, a Most Valuable Player award and two defensive player of the year awards. He is seventh on the N.B.A.’s career scoring list and the top shot blocker in league history.

Olajuwon became a naturalized American citizen in 1993 and won a gold medal with the United States at the 1996 Olympics, but his loyalty to Nigeria is the reason its national men’s basketball team was in Houston this week.

“That’s how I got discovered,” said Olajuwon, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/08/14/sports/hakeem2.190.jpg

At his invitation, the 12-player squad arrived Thursday night to train with him at Memorial Hermann-Houston Baptist University Wellness Center before departing Monday for Japan to participate in the 24-team world championship beginning Saturday. The team had been training in the Dallas area and in Las Vegas.

“It’s just incredible — his sincerity to somehow get involved and be a part of what we’re doing,” said Sam Vincent, the former N.B.A. player who is coaching the Nigerian team.

The Nigerian men’s basketball team has never appeared in the Olympics, though it could secure a spot in the Beijing Games in 2008 with an unlikely championship in Japan.

The team qualified for the world championship by taking bronze at the FIBA Africa Championship in Algeria last year.

To be eligible for the team, a player must be born in Nigeria or carry a Nigerian passport through his parents, Vincent said.

One of Nigeria’s captains is Ime Udoka, who averaged 2.8 points in eight games with the Knicks last season.

Other notable players include the former Oklahoma standout Ebi Ere, the former Texas forward Gabe Muoneke and the Maryland senior forward Ekene Ibekwe.

Golden State Warriors center Ike Diogu and Philadelphia 76ers guard Andre Iguodala are also of Nigerian descent and could play for the national team if it qualifies for the Olympics, Vincent said.

“Nigeria is blessed with incredible talent,” Vincent said. “Because of maybe less than good organization and preparation, their teams have never been able to take the place on the international scene that it deserves.”

Basketball stills lags far behind soccer in Nigeria, which has a population of about 120 million.

Besides Olajuwon, a goalkeeper for much of his youth, the country has also produced the former Nets center Yinka Dare and the current Boston Celtics center Michael Olowokandi.

But there is increasing fanfare and government support for basketball, Udoka said.

And there are signs of success. The women’s basketball team won its first Olympic game in Athens in 2004.

Udoka said he expected Nigeria to improve on its 2-3 record and 13th-place finish in its previous trip to the world championships, in 1998.
“There are some teams that we definitely should beat, and if we upset a team or two, we’ll be fine,” Udoka said.

The top four teams from each six-team group advance to the next round. Nigeria’s group includes the Olympic champion, Argentina; the defending world champion, Serbia and Montenegro; and France, which features several N.B.A. players.

Olajuwon’s involvement with the Nigerian national team could have significant implications for the future, Vincent said. Working out with Olajuwon could become an annual summer event, he said.

“He’s the guy that has the network, the resources,” Vincent said. “He’s got the credibility, the professionalism and the history. He’s the guy who can pull a lot of things together for us and help us focus on three- to five-year plans as opposed to yearly plans.”

The team practiced for two hours Friday morning, and afterward at least two players had their photographs taken with Olajuwon.

“I had to get one,” said Chamberlain Oguchi, a junior swingman for Oregon who grew up in Houston watching Olajuwon play for the Rockets. “It’s a great honor to be on the same court as him. He’s a legend.”

After Nigeria scrimmaged Friday night against a group of Houston-area players, the team went with Olajuwon to a local African restaurant for Nigerian and South African delicacies.

Olajuwon, who lives in Amman, Jordan, with his wife and five children, has been in Houston the past two weeks as part of his annual summer visit to the city. In addition to the Nigerian national team, he has been working out with Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats and other young players in one-on-one drills.

His passion for tutoring basketball players is evident. Clad in a sweat-stained red T-shirt and black shorts Friday, he frequently rested his hulking hands on his knees between repetitions, but his trademark offensive post moves were still dangerous.

He swiftly blocked one of Okafor’s shots and made a nifty move against another player to free himself for a duck-in layup.

“That’s abuse,” Okafor said.

Olajuwon teaches through playing, so at 43 he is competing against players half his age.

He is already eyeing a potential game between the United States and Nigeria in the world championships. The earliest that matchup could happen is in the quarterfinals.

“I’m from Nigeria, born in Nigeria,” Olajuwon said. “I’m an American who plays basketball. This is an American game.

“If Nigeria plays U.S.A., it’ll be a good basketball game. The best team will win.”

[PRSURF]

Senegal are going to lose in the group D

[jaja]

does that mean they will be last, or just lose one game?

[sickcurtain_16]

I like how the Nigerian's play basketball. I just hope that Philippines learn from them. They really have the basics necessary to play the game. I see their players play in the NBA and in the PBA(Philippine Basketball Association). Their game is just so effective even against the high flying new breeds of players.;)

[stuart]

For most countries, the world championships are over and a losing record isn't all that it seems, especially in continents such as Africa and Asia where progress is more a real expectation than a medal. (link (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/news/inte/FE_news_inteArti.asp?newsID=16025&lid_6751_eventID=3507&lid_6751_langID=1&roundID=3507))


Ibekwe: "This is a great result for Nigeria basketball"
SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - The Nigerian team will leave Saitama this evening disappointed after their heartbreaking 78-77 defeat to Germany in the second round of the FIBA World Championship but very proud of the effort they gave throughout and even more so in their final game.

Sam Vincent's men - who qualified for the knockout stages after finishing third in Group A - pushed last year's EuroBasket runners up all the way and were a basket away from going through to the quarter-finals where they would have gone up against Team USA.

And among all the positives taken from this tournament, one of the biggest ones will be the play of forward Ekene Ibekwe who today was one of the main reasons why Nigeria could even consider the thought of going through to the quarter-finals.

Ibekwe finished with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds and had to go head to head with Dirk Nowitzki for most of the game.

FIBA correspondent Simon Wilkinson caught up with him after the Eight-Final against Germany.

FIBA: Obviously it has to be very hard to lose in the closing seconds of the game, but there are many reasons to feel good about this game.
Ibekwe: Yeah definitely. This is a tough loss but it's a great result for Nigeria basketball. I'm really proud of my team-mates. We've been through a lot these last couple of months. We didn't have a lot of time to train together so we were still trying to get to get to know one another during these games and figure our roles out there on the court, but this is all very encouraging for the team.


FIBA: Sam Vincent talked about Nigeria basketball being in a three-year development program. How does this performance today and your overall play in the tournament help Nigeria in this development phase?
Ibekwe: Well it's a huge step forward. We played really hard and we pushed a top ten team in the world to the very last second. To play against Germany and have the outcome of the game come down to the final possession is really a great experience and it's going to enable us to take a step in the right direction in the development of our team and of basketball in Nigeria as a whole.


FIBA: What does this performance prove to other teams who maybe didn't know before the start of the tournament or even in the second round what to expect from you?
Ibekwe: Well now we know and people will also know that the Nigerian team can compete against some of the best teams in the world and make it a close game. That's a great feeling.


FIBA: You had your best game of the tournament with 22 points, 10 rebounds and some good highlights. That's a great way to finish the competition before you go back to Maryland for your senior season.
Ibekwe: I just wanted to play well for my country. For me personally as a college player, this was a great experience - one that I couldn't pass up. To get the chance to come out here and go up against the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Boris Diaw. That's the reason why I came out here. It's tough to play against those guys but I enjoyed the challenge.


FIBA: Can you talk about having to defend a player like Dirk?
Ibekwe: As you can imagined it's very hard. You're talking about an All-Star and one of the best players in the world. I told myself I would come out and try to do my best to slow him down. I wanted to contain him and not let him get any easy shots and go for a 40-point game.


FIBA: Your coach, Sam Vincent, has played a huge part in getting this team to this tournament in the time that he has been in charge. Tell us a bit about him.
Ibekwe: He's just a great coach. He has been getting us going throughout this competition and even when we had our bad games in the group stages he was there for us, getting us motivated and ready.


FIBA: Thanks and well done to Nigeria.
Ibekwe: Thank you

[Dr.OliverPO]

if only guys like Iggy or Ike Diogu can join the team

but they want to play for their new adopted home

[RetiredJordanStopper]

Hello, just want to know if you know a 6'8 center/forward named Samuel Ekwe? Do you know his basketball credentials back in Nigeria? You see, he's a college player here, and a good one at that. His team, the San Beda College Red Lions is lording it over the college league here and he is dominating the local college kids.

and also, just want to add, Julius Nwosu used to play here in the Philippines, and he led his team to a championship. He was very likable when he was here.

[ricodgame]

Do you think SAM EKWE of SAN BEDA red lions currently playing in PH be a big help for your national team? man this guy is 6'8 and swats ball lyk no one else and dunks like shaq.. with proper training.. u can help this guy improve nd help ur team in the future..

[alermac]

Actually, Nigeria has very good players already. Last year's WC squad played greatly, even with many important players missing.

[reamily]

Pare The Nigerian national team is the source of naturalized players like olajuwon and many more

[rycorpz]

Pare The Nigerian national team is the source of naturalized players like olajuwon and many more
yup Okulaja, of Germany Olajuwon, of US baby shaq of greece <---- although Half-macedonian

[rycorpz]

Do you think SAM EKWE of SAN BEDA red lions currently playing in PH be a big help for your national team? man this guy is 6'8 and swats ball lyk no one else and dunks like shaq.. with proper training.. u can help this guy improve nd help ur team in the future..
isama mo sa SEA games yan tingnan lang natin kung sino di matatakot dyan

trans:

Include him in RP team Sea games we'll see which team will afraid of him

[Czarkazem13]

yup Okulaja, of Germany Olajuwon, of US baby shaq of greece <---- although Half-macedonian

Sofoklis is not half-Nigerian, his mother is Cameroonian if memory serves me right.

Emeka Okafor - though born in the U.S. - is of Nigerian stock. So was the runningback for the KC Chiefs back in the day, Christian Okoye the "Nigerian Nightmare."

Nigeria has great athletes, hopefully for them they can take advantage of it in the future, or just keep getting U.S. born Nigerian players that can't make the U.S. national team.:)

[bolabasket]

Do you think SAM EKWE of SAN BEDA red lions currently playing in PH be a big help for your national team? man this guy is 6'8 and swats ball lyk no one else and dunks like shaq.. with proper training.. u can help this guy improve nd help ur team in the future..
Make him use skin whitener and he'll play for RP Team. hehehe:D

[rikhardur]

Afrobasket '09: Nigeria is aiming high with its star-studded roster

When I've read the news that John Lucas would be the new head coach of the D'Tigers, I was baffled.

Now with such a well-known coach, the possibility of attracting the best players out of Nigeria should be no problem and the recently revealed list of pre-selected players for the national-team camp in the U.S. proves exactly this.

The guards:

Nigeria has no shortage on experienced guards unlike other countries like Senegal, Cameroon or the Ivory Coast. Thanks to the Nigerian Diaspora in the United States, they can choose from a deep pool of players with college and professional experience.

At point guard, previously used (World Championships in Japan) Josh Akognon should be a lock while shooting guard Ime Udoka of the San Antonio Spurs is set to represent Nigeria again after being instrumental in the D'Tigers' success story in Japan. After a rather disappointing season in Giessen (Germany) Michael Umeh should be considered as a back-up to Akognon while Tony Skinn and Ben Uzoh could be alternatives too.
Especially Skinn did a great job in Gravelines and is also a similar scoring threat like Akognon.

Champ Oguchi bounced back with a strong year in Illinois to prove his readiness to contribute on the two-spot. Ebi Ere is another big-time scorer on the list who was Australia's import of the year and is able to move also to small forward if needed. Nigerian-Jamaican rookie Weyinmi Efejuku may has small chance to make the team while Churchill Odia had another season to forget in Oregon and may lacks on-court experience although he was always productive when called up for Nigeria.

From the outside looking in are probably Kingsley Oguchi, Mike Efevberha, Jayson Obazuaye and Stanley Asumnu.

Stats:

Josh Akognon, PG, Fullerton, 23,9ppg, 3,2rpg, 1,6apg

Ben Uzoh, PG, Tulsa, 14ppg 4,9rpg, 3,6apg

Michael Umeh, PG, Giessen, 13,8ppg, 3,2rpg, 1,8apg

Anthony Skinn, PG, Gravelines, 16,0ppg, 2,5rpg, 3,5apg

Kingsley Oguchi, PG, South Carolina-Aiken, 9,0 ppg, 3,2rpg, 3,0apg

Ime Udoka, SG, San Antonio, 4,5ppg, 3,0rpg, 0,9apg

Stanley Asunmu, SG, Rio Grande Valley, 10,5ppg, 4,6rpg, 1,8apg

Churchill Odia, SG, Oregon, 3,2ppg, 2,3rpg

Jayson Obazuaye, PG, Milton Keynes (ENG)

Ebi Ere, SG/SF, Carolina (PUR), 20,7ppg, 5,9rpg, 2,3apg

Weyinmi Efejuku, SG, Providence, 15,7ppg, 4,0rpg, 2,3apg, 1,5spg

Chamberlain Oguchi, SG, Illinois State, 15,2ppg, 5,4rpg, 1,0spg

Mike Efevberha, SG, Wellington (NZL)

The forwards:

Touted veteran and premium blogger Gabe Muoneke should be making the team, as well as newcomer Ike Diogu from the Sacramento Kings.

Muoneke, who would love to erase the past season in China from his vita (Although being one of the top-scorers of the CBA), and who recently being released in Puerto Rico, is providing leadership and is a constant threat on offense while not being selfish with the ball in his hands. Diogu, who has represented the U.S. in the Pan-American Games in 2003, has been rarely used in the NBA until the Kings gave him a chance to prove he belongs to the league. The 9th pick of the NBA-Draft in 2005 scored 32 points on Denver and 28 points on Minnesota recording in both of the games double-doubles. Another cornerstone of the team will be Uche Nsonwu who already re-signed with Roanne where he put up solid numbers after arriving from the Ukraine.

Often used defensive specialist Aloysius Anagonye and World Championship-experienced Ekene Ibekwe could both be in, while Abdullahi Kuso, Uche Echefu and Ejike Ugboaja will be having a hard time to battle for the remaining spots on the team.

Stats:

Aloysius Anagonye, PF, Galil Gilboa (ISR), 5,5ppg, 4,3rpg

Uche Echefu, PF, Florida State, 8,1ppg, 5,2rpg

Gabe Mouneke, SF, Guaynabo (PUR), 20,8ppg, 6,2rpg

Ike Diogu, PF, Sacramento, 9,2ppg, 3,9rpg (only Sacramento)

Ekene Ibekwe, PF, Carolina (PUR), 11,2ppg, 8,2rpg, 1,7bpg

Ejike Ugboaja, PF, Azad Univ. (IRN)

Abdullahi Kuso, PF, Sumy (UKR), 11,6ppg, 7,6rpg, 1bpg

Uche Nsonwu, PF/C, Roanne, 11,4ppg, 8,0rpg

The centers:

Long-time friends Olumide Oyedeji and Ben Eze should be both dominant factors for Nigeria as both bring a lot of intensity and experience to the game. Oyedeji has proven in recent years that he can play tough on both sides of the court while Eze emerged as one of the best players in the Euro league.

It has to be seen if Eze is really going to represent Nigeria after years of abstinence. If so, Deji Akindele is more than ready to contribute. The Italy-bound center had a great year in Pesaro and proved to belong to the best centers in Italy if not in Europe. Benson Egemonye showed flashes in the past season while playing for the University of Niagara and Sani Ibrahim is a fierce competitor under the boards, but both will probably not going to Libya this year.

Stats:

Sani Ibrahim, C, Leuven (BEL), 6ppg, 5,2rpg

Deji Akindele, C, Pesaro, 11,1ppg, 6,7rpg, 1,6bpg, 2,1spg

Olumide Oyedeji, C, Shanxi (CHN), 20,3ppg, 19,8rpg, 1,8bpg

Ben Eze, PF/C , Siena, 8,8ppg, 8,2rpg, 1,4bpg

Benson Egemonye,C, Niagara, 12,7ppg, 7,1rpg, 1,6bpg

There will also be the best ten Nigeria-based players invited to the camp but I doubt that one of the called-up players will be able to crack the roster with such a high number of internationally-experienced players in the mix for Libya.

My ideal team for Libya would be looking as follows:

Guards: Akognon, Udoka, Skinn, Ere and C. Oguchi

Forwards: Muoneke, Diogu, Ibekwe and Nsonwu

Centers: Oyedeji, Eze and Akindele


With such a roster, Nigeria's chances to grab one of the medals in Libya should be high. Now it's up to the coach to form a team out of this crop of excellent players and build a team-chemistry as well a new hierarchy to put back Nigeria on the basketball map after its failure in 2007.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=4772

[rikhardur]

NGR – Afrobasket Libya 2009: Our team will dominate continental basketball

President, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tijani Umar, says the newly inaugurated board will ensure that the national teams win FIBA Africa competitions this year.

Umar said yesterday in Lagos that the competitions would involve the senior national male and the female teams as well as the Under-16 teams.
The senior male teams are to compete in the FIBA Africa Nations Championship in Libya and in Madagascar for the female teams, he said.
"The board, inaugurated on Tuesday, will work to see that the country takes part in all programmes on FIBA-Africa calendar for this year.
"This we have started by inviting foreign-based players to camp in Houston, U.S., while the home-based players will be camped preparatory to the selection of the final team," Umar said.

He said the first phase of the camping would hold from June 26 to July 1, while the final phase would hold from July 20 to July 31.

The male team is expected to depart the country on Aug. 2 for the Aug. 5 competition in Libya but a date for the female team has yet to be announced.

On the cadet teams, he said that their coaches had been directed to start preparations for the qualifiers for Africa Under-16 Championship in Maputo, Mozambique and in Dakar, Senegal in August.

The male U-16 championship is to hold from July 16 to July 25 in Maputo, while the female championship is scheduled for Aug. 22 to Aug. 30 in Dakar.

He said the qualification tournament for the U-16 boys and girl's championships had been slated for Cotonou, Benin Republic, from June 24 to 28.
"We are mapping out strategies to put things right and eventually actualise our proposed programmes for the year," he said.

Umar appealed to lovers of the game to rally support for the NBBF for the good of the sport and the players.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=4784

[alermac]

At least on paper, Nigeria has the most powerful team in Africa by far, and could very well compete with any elite team or even improve their 2006 success. I hope they can make it happen.

And i see this is the first time the NT has been able to attract most of the best Nigerians and Nigerian-Americans, if not all of them. Great news for them.

[PRSURF]

Whoaa, four players of Nigeria are or were playing this season in Puerto Rico, Ebi Ere(very very good player), Oyedeji, Ibekwe and Gabe Mouneke(long time playing here)

[Dtown]

Rooting for Nigeria, as much as I love Angola in world tournaments it's about time someone knocked them off in Afrobasket.

btw How many spots does Africa get for the World Championships 2 or 3?

[alermac]

How many spots does Africa get for the World Championships 2 or 3?
They had 3 in Japan, i guess it remains the same.

[rikhardur]

Afrobasket Libya 2009: World Championship ticket our target – Nigeria President

Newly sworn-in president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF Tijjani Umar is optimistic that the task of repositioning the nation’s basketball is achievable, in this brief chat with our correspondent, the NBBF boss spoke about various activities before the new board among other sundry issues. Excerpt:

What should Nigerians expect from this board in the next four years

Thanks, for me the inauguration is only formalities, you know we have being running the affairs of the game long before the election. I am sure you know that I have been heading the Task Force whose primary assignment was to prepare the country senior national team for the 25th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship billed for Libya in August this year and other local basketball programmes.

What is really important to us now is not just the Cup of Nations but other programmes as well. We are going to jump-start the Zenith Women Premier League by the end of this month, get involved in the U16 Boy’s and Girl’s qualifiers holding in Cotonuo, Republic of Benin and do everything possible to see that the Premier league for Men took off, so can see that our hands are full.

Funding the programmes

It true fund is very vital in the execution of these programmes, we shall appeal to all stake-holders in the game for support including corporate sponsors of our various programmes and with the support of everybody none of the programmes will be left unattended to.

Choice of American Coach for D’Tigers

It true Nigerian coaches, (Ayo Bakare and Sani Ahmed) qualified the country for the Libya 2009 Afrobasket the situation on ground presently demands us going for a foreign coach so the appointment of John Harding Lucas-II whom we believe can deliver at this crucial moment, though for me personally I would prefer a Nigerian coach who have greater stake than a foreigner.

D’Tigers USA Camp

Since bulk of the invited players lives in the United States which makes it easy for them to come together on a short notice and given the financial status of the board presently we realized it will be difficult getting the players to come down to Nigeria for camping but arrangement are in place to have the team come down to Nigeria before flying out to Tripoli, Libya for the Championship.

I can assure you that this will probably be the last time we will be camping any of our teams in the US except they want to embark on training tour but such camps must start from the home front.

Afrobasket goal

To be honest with Nigerians our target is to secure one of the three 2010 16th FIBA World Championship ticket.

Coach for D’Tigress

You know there still the zonal qualifiers to play which we are hosting, so in the next cope of days or weeks coach for the senior women national team will be announced and he will definitely be a Nigerian.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=4808

[rikhardur]

NGR - Only total commitment can see us through – Efevberha

Nigeria ended its campaign at the 25th edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men (Afrobasket 2009) in a not too impressive note finishing a distance fifth in a pool of sixteen teams with seven wins and two loses thus missing out on the roll call of teams that will be at the 2010 FIBA World Championship (World Cup) in Turkey.

The lose that was most painful among the two games the country senior men national team, D’Tigers lost was the quarter-final 84-80 points loss to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who themselves were bundled out of the race for Turkey by Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-final and Tunisia in the third place game.

Basking in her impressive performance at the first round and Final-Eight-Round at the Benghazi centre of the Libya 2009 Afrobasket the Nigerian side coached by the trio of John Harding Lucas-II, Sani Ahmed and Masai Ujiri with great confidence.

The team flew out to Tripoli a day before its quarter-final outing against the Cameroon side who were runners-up in the 2007 edition held in Angola beaming with great confidence giving the Cameroonian little chances to stop D’Tigers from roaring while thinking of the better side between Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal it likely semi-final opponent but all that became history as the Cameroonian stood their ground and stopped the over-confidence Nigerian side.

One player who looked most disappointed in the Nigeria campaign was enterprising guard, Michael Efevberha who could not hide his disappointment of the team outing pleaded with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and handlers of the senior team to always go for players who are ready to give their all at all time.

The Wellington Saints basketball club of New Zealand guard who was one of the most outstanding players on the Nigeria line-up fall short of naming some of his colleague he accused of not being fully committed to the course of the national team at the championship.

Efevberha born of a Nigerian father and an American mother have committed his future to his fatherland promising to always honour a national call-up.

The 25 year-old Nigerian was one of the leading scorer at the championship averaging 17.4 points per-game and was voted in the championship third best team of the championship, however, pleaded that the NBBF should not do away with the entire team but calls for integration of new players who will take the issue of national assignment as a task that must be given their total commitment as it is the only road to success.

Efevberha who might be joining a top French side in the 2009/2010 season thanked the NBBF and handlers of D’Tigers for offering him an opportunity to be part of the country’s campaign at Africa biggest basketball showpiece.

“I am happy to be called-up to represent my fatherland but I want to plead with the Nigeria basketball authority and handlers of the national team to always go for players who will be more committed and ready to give their hundred percent performances in all games at every championship the country entered.

“I feel okay with my performance and I know that my parents especially my dad are proud of me but I am sad that we will miss out in Turkey when the best teams and players converge for the world biggest basketball championship next year and I feel pained that our good run in the run-up to the quarter-final was truncated by Cameroon not because they are better than us, one thing I also know is that Nigeria will bounce back to take it rightful place in the comity of basketball playing nation of the world.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=5256

[briangarg]

Great news from the field of basketball, I m with team to give them good wishes to win. & interested to know when women basketball team will be declared.

[rikhardur]

NGR – Nigeria’s Efevberha keeps fingers crossed on wild card

LUGANO (2010 FIBA World Championship) - A hot topic of conversation among basketball fans and players is which teams merit consideration for the 2010 FIBA World Championship wild cards.

Hoops enthusiasts in Africa are crossing their fingers that one of their national sides will receive a wild card.

One of the teams in the running is Nigeria.

Second in the FIBA Rankings among the African teams after No. 12 Angola, 22nd ranked Nigeria won seven of their nine games at the Afrobasket this summer in Libya but one of the defeats was very costly, a loss to Cameroon in the Quarter-Finals.

The 84-80 setback ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s big event in Turkey.

The only chance for Nigeria to play in the big event now is to receive a wild card.

The national team captain, Mike Efevberha, says a Nigeria side would add a lot to the 24-team field at the FIBA World Championship.

“It is important to remember that Nigeria has provided many talented players throughout the world, and many others may come if we get a wild card,” Efevberha said to FIBA.com.

FIBA will be handing out four wild cards next month in Istanbul, Turkey.

When considering Nigeria, they do have a rich tradition in the sport.

Between 1995 and 2005, Nigeria claimed either bronze or silver in the FIBA African Championships.

They have come in fifth at the last two Afrobaskets, however.

No one will ever forget Nigeria’s performance at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan under former coach Sam Vincent, which started with an 82-75 upset of Serbia and Montenegro and ended in the Eight-Finals against Germany.

The Germans needed a superlative effort from their superhero, Dirk Nowitzki, to beat Nigeria 78-77. Nowitzki had 23 points in that victory.

The United States-born, Sacramento Kings small forward Ime Udoka led the Nigerians with an average of 14 points per game in Japan.

“I do hope we get a wild card,” said Efevberha, who plays professionally in Switzerland with the Lugano Tigers.

“We had pretty good results in the past.

“We did not play as well as we should have in Libya 2009, but we worked hard.”

Efevberha says if he and his teammates take up a place in Turkey, they are capable of playing at a very high level.

“We may have chances to succeed against better ranked teams as long as we put everything together, and get focused,” the 25-year-old said.

“I do not know what the problems were in the past, but we have talent.”

A different experience

Efevberha, who played collegiately at California State University, says it was interesting to compete at the Afrobasket in Libya.

The style of play, he says, was different to that found in the United States and in Europe.

“I found the African game very physical,” he said.

“In the last African Championship, I noticed everyone jumped around the rim. Guys are very athletic.”

Athleticism isn't the only ingredient needed for success.

Ten-time African champions Angola have athleticism, yet they are also much shorter than Nigeria.

The Angolans have a lot of experience and are also well organized.

“Everybody knows what their roles are within the Angola team,” Efevberha said.

Looking at Nigeria’s stars

Nigeria provided one of the finest centers ever to play the game in Hakeem Olajuwon.

Nicknamed “The Dream”, Olajuwon had a glittering career in college with the Houston Cougars and professionally with the Houston Rockets.

He eventually represented the United States at the 1996 Olympic Games, claiming the gold medal.

Efevberha isn’t a center, but rather a 6ft 5in guard who was born in Pomona, California, and obtained citizenship thanks to his father.

“I think Nigeria has many talented players,” he said. “There can never be another Olajuwon, but there is an Efevberha.”

Efevberha made his debut for the Nigeria national team last summer and was made captain by coach John Lucas, former NBA guard who also coached in the league.

He averaged 17 points per game and had 24 in the defeat to Cameroon.

There are other American-born Nigerians who have represented the country in the past who could bolster the squad.

“With the World Championship coming around, if we get a wild card, I am sure more Nigerians playing in the US and in Europe will be joining the team,” he said.

“Everyone will be interested to come because it is an event that everyone will be watching. I, personally, welcome them.”
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/inte/p/newsid/37597/arti.html

[enomakos]

http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=4772


thanks for the article

[Alex07]

does anybody know if FSU's Solomon Alabi already played for the Nigerian basketball squad?

[Mojado]

http://www.africabasket.com/Nigeria/basketball-National-Team.asp?Age=18
He played for the U-18 and also for the U-19 national team (World Champs in Serbia 2007) and no he won't be part of the Phillipines NT for sure due to this facts.
This guy will be a cornerstone of a new Nigerian NT in the next years and hopefully make the NBA.;)

[rikhardur]

NGR – Umar confidence of Nigeria bid for 2011 Afrobasket for Men

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation President (NBBF), Tijjani Umar, has expressed confidence on the chances of the country winning the 2011 FIBA African Championship for Men.

Umar affirmed that it is only a matter of time before the country would be announced as the substantial host of the competition by the continental ruling body, FIBA Africa.

The NBBF boss says the federation has the endorsement of the Nigeria Minister for Sports, Engr. Sani Ndanusa to pursue the bid to its logical conclusion as the federation set machinery in motion to receive FIBA Africa team who are expected in the country to inspect facilities of the country bid city, Abuja .

"We have the full support of the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Government of Nigeria to bid for the 2011 Afrobasket for Men. We have prepared well and we have all the facility needed for this level of championship, so we are very optimistic to emerge as the host country for the 2011 event, Umar said confidently

The NBBF boss who led a four man delegation comprises of the 1st Vice President Mukthar Khaleh who is also a member of the Central Board of FIBA Africa as President of FIBA Africa Zone-III, Tagwai Yusuf and Mustapha Suleiman to formally present the bid document to the Central Board of FIBA Africa last weekend in Cairo , Egypt .

He added that the continental basketball body has set up an inspection committee that would visit the bidding countries soon to inspect facilities on ground.

The inspection team will be led by the Secretary General of the African body Dr. Alphonse Bile and other members of FIBA Africa will be in the country to inspect facilities at the Abuja National Stadium in April this year.

Nigeria is bidding for the 2011 Africa biggest basketball showpiece - The Nations Cup which will serve as 2012 London Olympic Games qualifiers alongside, Cote d'Ivoire and Madagascar .

It will be recalled that Nigeria stepped down for Libya as host of the 16th edition of the competition won by Angola last year.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/en/lect_actu.php?titre=actu&id=5963

[enomakos]

Dordan Warriors Basketball Club of Lagos are expected to begin camping on Wednesday ahead of the commencement of the 2010 DSTV/NBBF Premier Basketball League season.
The team will begin the build-up at their Ilupeju basketball court on Wednesday as the new season dunks off on March 17.
The team co-ordinated by Colonel Sam Ahmedu (rted) came third last season behind their local rivals, Lagos Islanders and the reigning champions Kano Pillars.

[rikhardur]

NGR - Promising Negedu receives thumbs-down by Vols

KNOXVILLE (NCAA) – Nigerian youngster Emmanuel Negedu has not received medical clearance to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.

The 6ft 7in Negedu was stricken with sudden cardiac arrest before the season following a light workout and missed the entire year.

The 21-year-old sophomore had said on Monday he had planned on coming back.

“I had been cleared by a doctor (in California) but needed to get a second opinion,” he said. “A second doctor cleared me, and I talked to Coach (Bruce) Pearl about it.’’

But Tennessee have announced they will not give Negedu medical clearance.

Athletic director Mike Hamilton said in a statement Tuesday: “Emmanuel is an exceptional young man, and we hope he will stay at UT as a student with our full support.

“If he decides he would like to pursue a playing career at another school, we will support him in that decision, and we wish him the best.’’

Tennessee said they turned down Negedu’s request after “careful consideration and consultation with both medical experts and current published recommendations.”
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/39363/arti.html

[Air23245]

I am very interested to play for the women basketball team and please email me at charttolesting@yahoo.com

[enomakos]

I am very interested to play for the women basketball team and please email me at charttolesting@yahoo.com

did you mean you want to play for nigeria female national basketball team?

[enomakos]

The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Ike Diogu (6'8''-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) to bolster their injury-depleted frontcourt.

The Clippers signed the former first-round draft pick on Wednesday, hours before their home game against Houston.

Chris Kaman, Craig Smith and Brian Cook all are out of the Clippers' lineup with injuries.

Diogu has been out of the NBA since Detroit cut him during training camp. After playing in 29 games during the 2008-09 season with Sacramento and Portland, the five-year NBA veteran missed all of last season following left knee surgery.

Kaman is out for a month with an injured left ankle, and the Clippers learned Tuesday that Smith will be out for at least two weeks after getting an epidural for a herniated disc in his lower back.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

[mvblair]

The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Ike Diogu (6'8''-F/C-83, college: Arizona St.) to bolster their injury-depleted frontcourt. That's fantastic! I remember watching Diogu in college and at Indiana Pacers. He's very talented. He can give a team 20 minutes a night and 10 good points. Very good player. Glad to see he's still in the NBA. Thanks for the update.

[enomakos]

you are welcome

[enomakos]

In its bid to better Nigeria basketball the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF will Monday hold an important talk with a would-be sponsor in London.

The NBBF was invited to the One-Day exploratory meeting with the potential investors in Nigerian Basketball. The meeting which is being organized by MD Sports Management is sceduled to hold between 11.00am and 3.00pm at the Air France Conference Centre, World Cargo Centre, Bidg 558, Shoreham Road, Heathrow Airport, TW6 3RN.

The Federation will be represented by its president, Tijjani Umar and a board member Yusuf Tagwai at the all important meeting

[enomakos]

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have reassigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi (7'1''-C-88, college: Florida St.) to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. Alabi will continue to be included on the Raptors roster and will be placed on the teams inactive list.

Alabi was with the BayHawks from November 15 December 9. He appeared in seven games with Erie, averaging 8.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 22.7 minutes. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Bayhawks 102-82 victory over the Utah Flash.

Alabi has appeared in five games with the Raptors, totaling five rebounds in 15 minutes.

A native of Nigeria, Alabi, was named All-ACC Defensive Team in his two full seasons at FSU. He started all 67 games, leading the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament twice and the ACC Tournament Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. He averaged a school record 2.1 blocked shots per game for his career. He also shot .534 per cent from the field in his two-plus seasons with the Seminoles.

The club acquired the draft rights to Alabi from the Dallas Mavericks on June 24. He was the 50th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Alabi is the fifth Raptor to be assigned to the D-League. Ed Davis was also assigned to Erie in December. Nathan Jawai was designated on two occasions in the 2008-09 season to the Idaho Stampede. P.J. Tucker was assigned twice to the Colorado 14ers during the 2006-07 season and Pape Sow was assigned to the Arkansas Rimrockers in the 2005-06 campaign.

Erie, which is led by head coach Jay Larranaga, has been appointed as Torontos D-League affiliate for the 2010-11 season.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

[enomakos]

The San Antonio Spurs have waived backup swingman Ime Udoka (6'5''-F/G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Portland St.).

The Spurs made the announcement Wednesday. Udoka played sparingly in 20 games after being signed in November and logged just 3 minutes in Tuesdays loss at New York.

It was Udokas second stint with the Spurs after spending two seasons in San Antonio following the teams last championship in 2007.

The Spurs roster stands at 12. Rookie swingman James Anderson is expected back soon after missing the last two months with a stress fracture in his foot.

The NBA-best Spurs play Boston on Wednesday.

Courtesy of Yahoo

[rikhardur]

[ITW] - Ben Uzoh : "I want to represent my country"

In London with his team (the New Jersey Nets ), Ben Uzoh accepted to answer some of our questions for Fiba Africa.

Are you satisfied with your season?
I'm pleased but not satisfied. You know I think we have a lot of growing to do as a team. We got some new pieces, who are getting acclimated, trusting each others and learning the system. We've done better than last year but I'm not satisfied.

What's the life in NBA as a rookie?
As a rookie, it's tough; it's a lot of up and downs. You keep working you're trying to be the best professional you can be.

What should you work in your game?
Yeah I have a lot of work to do in my game! My jump shoot, my feel for the game … I just have to play.

Deron Williams is a model for you?
Yeah, he's a mentor you know. I can learn a lot from him and I'm looking to do that.

What's the key for the game tonight? (Saturday’s game)
The key is to have a lot of energy, put some easy baskets, and you know we'll be alright.

Do you plan to play in Afrobasket in August?
Yeah I have to see if I can do it. But I want to represent the country, my family, and my last name so I'm definitively working on that.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=986%3Aitw-ben-uzoh-qje-veux-representer-mon-paysq&catid=88%3Ales-interviews-de-jerome&Itemid=128&lang=en

[rikhardur]

http://www.fiba-afrique.org/images/stories/solomon-alabi.gif

[ITW] - Solomon Alabi : ''Olajuwon was my model''

Drafted last year by the Raptors, Salomon Alabi didn't play in London with his franchise . He accepted to answer some questions for Fiba Africa .

You didn't play those 2 games in London . Why ?
It's a coach's decision .

You have 2 losses In London …
Yeah, we didn't make shoots, it's tough you know . We have to come back and try to fix it up and have to win the next game .

Are you satisfied with your season ?
No, I'm not satisfied. I mean, I wish that I have played more . We got some guys who were hurt you know and I just have to keep my head up and keep working hard for playing time.

What kind of things you have to work in your game ?
I feel that I have to work on everything you know. I'm not satisfied where I am right now. I have to work on my defensive game, shoot block, rebounding … All that stuff .

Who's your model in NBA right now ?
I don't really know . There's a lot of hard workers and I just want to be better than them. So I don't have an NBA model right now because I want to be a great nba player . I think that Hakeem Olajuwon was a nice NBA player .

Bargnani is your model in your team ?
Yes he's a hard working guy . I try to face him and challenge him every day and I think that it's a good thing for me .

Finally, are you working out with Alexis Ajinca the back up center ?
Yeah I worked with him every day . We go on each other every day.

Do you think you can be a good center back up ?
Sure, that's my goal .

You'll play with the national team in August ?
Yes, I hope to play with them this summer.
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=995&catid=88&Itemid=128&lang=en

[thespywhozaggedme]

If Nigeria coiled add Diougu, Al Farouk Aminu, Gani Lawal to their team, they'd be very good.

[enomakos]

If Nigeria coiled add Diougu, Al Farouk Aminu, Gani Lawal to their team, they'd be very good.

which clubs do these 3 players current play from?

[mvblair]

which clubs do these 3 players current play from?Ike Diogu is with the Los Angeles Clippers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ike_Diogu). His parents are Nigerian. Aminu also plays for the Clippers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Farouq_Aminu), but he is a rookie. I guess somewhere down the line, his ancestors are Nigerian. Lawal plays for the Phoenix Suns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gani_Lawal) and went to high school with Aminu. His Dad is Nigerian.

Diogu seems pretty good. He's been on a lot of teams, so he's kind of a journeyman. I don't know about the other two guys. I think Aminu was kind of a trouble-maker in college. Nigeria already has some real dynamite players on their team, so I just don't know if these guys would help or not.

[enomakos]

Ike Diogu is with the Los Angeles Clippers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ike_Diogu). His parents are Nigerian. Aminu also plays for the Clippers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Farouq_Aminu), but he is a rookie. I guess somewhere down the line, his ancestors are Nigerian. Lawal plays for the Phoenix Suns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gani_Lawal) and went to high school with Aminu. His Dad is Nigerian.

Diogu seems pretty good. He's been on a lot of teams, so he's kind of a journeyman. I don't know about the other two guys. I think Aminu was kind of a trouble-maker in college. Nigeria already has some real dynamite players on their team, so I just don't know if these guys would help or not.

that for sharing bros

[JGX]

US-based Nigerian player wins an award:
http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/news/detail.aspx?pageaction=ViewSinglePublic&LinkID=2578&ModuleID=11&NEWSPID=2

:D

[rikhardur]

[Afrobasket Men 2011] – NGR : Nigeria name 16-man squad for training camp

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has mapped out a 3-day preparatory exercise for its men's national team, which is composed of a mixture of home and foreign-based players.

The camp serves as the first meeting of the Nigeria team in the lead up to this summer's Afrobasket in Madagascar.

The camp will be lead by Sani Ahmed and Adeka Daudu and will see the participation of 16 players.

Abubakar Usman (Kano Pillars)
Ibrahim Yusuf (Kano Pillars)
Mathew Omonya (Kano Pillars)
Onyeka Okeke (Kano Pillars)
Abubakar Yusuf (Kada Stars)
Abdulwahab Yahaya (Kada Stars)
Abel Baraya (Plateau Peaks)
Michael Ohiero (Royal Hoopers)
Musa Usman (Royal Hoopers)
Azuoma Dike (Royal Hoopers)
Mohammed Bukar (Dodan Warriors)
Orseer Ikyaator (Comets)
Onyeka Ekpete (Union Bank)
Stanley Gumut (Libya)
Edem Ekpeyong (Kuwait)
Boniface Synasius
http://www.fiba-afrique.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1190&catid=27&Itemid=73&lang=en

[Mindozas]

This is the final list or just for the 1st camp? Some European based players are missings... With this roster they would be lost

[sinobball]

Also missing is Josh Akognon.

[Cool_Enz]

Speaking of Nigerian national players, Chamberlain Oguchi will again play for Meralco in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association Governor's Cup. Another African national seeing action in the tournament is Sierra Leone/Libyan guard Alpha Banguria, who will again suit up for Air21. :)

[CKR13]

Any chance that Nigeria may add Chukwudiebere "Chu Chu" Maduabum into the National Team for consideration?

Chu Chu Maduabum was drafted 56th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers but is expected to be traded to the Denver Nuggets due to the move by Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri.

[Mojado]

John Lucas is still head coach and Ben Uzoh is trying out (He should be a lock in the team).
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/news/2010-11/nigeriacamp

[thespywhozaggedme]

John Lucas is still head coach and Ben Uzoh is trying out (He should be a lock in the team).
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/news/2010-11/nigeriacamp

You would think that with his NBA connections, Lucas would be able to get Diogu, Lawal and Aminu.

[enomakos]

Any chance that Nigeria may add Chukwudiebere "Chu Chu" Maduabum into the National Team for consideration?

Chu Chu Maduabum was drafted 56th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers but is expected to be traded to the Denver Nuggets due to the move by Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri.

i did not think so

[JGX]

This is the Nigeria team currently playing in a tournament in the UK:

4 Ezenwa Ukeagu
5 Ime Udoka
6 Dave Ajumobi
7 Jayson Obazuaye
8 Michael Umeh
9 Chinedu Onjeuku
10 Kabiru Abu
11 Amara Thompson
12 Ikechukwu Ofoegbu
13 Derrick Obasohan
14 Olumide Oyedeji
15 Samuel Toluwase

A number of the lesser-known players are based in England, no idea if they're actually going to Afrobasket or just there to fill out the numbers.

They beat the Netherlands 84-66 and then lost to GB 95-80...don't think either of those teams were at full strength either.

[CKR13]

Nigerian National Team

http://leadership.ng/nga/sites/default/files/articleimages/nigeria.jpg

[CKR13]

Festus Ezeli continues to learn the game (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6847643/festus-ezeli-continues-learn-game)

[CKR13]

De Tigers depart for Madagascar (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/de-tigers-depart-for-madagascar/)


http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/De-Tigers.jpg

[cantstop]

does anybody know if solomon alabi is going to play ?
or maybe some other nba players like aminu or uzoh ?

[CKR13]

De Tigers chase Afrobasket glory (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/de-tigers-chase-afrobasket-glory/)

[sagenas]

Arinze Onuaku, who currently is playing in Lithuania for Neptūnas Klaipėda, says that there's really big possibility he will play for Nigeria in the future because his parents are Nigerian.

[rikhardur]

[NGR] - London 2012 qualifers : Obasohan eager to play for National Team again

No one had better look past Nigeria at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. That is the strong feeling of the Nigerians' leading scorer at Afrobasket 2011 in Madagascar, Derrick Obasohan, a player who feels enormous pride whenever he dons the national team shirt.

Obasohan averaged 16.6 points at the tournament in Antananarivo and poured in 19 in the bronze-medal game triumph over Ivory Coast.

"I definitely will be playing for Nigeria in Olympic qualifying," he said to FIBA.com.
"Although I was born in the US, my parents, grandparents and brothers were born in Nigeria.
"To me, it means a lot to represent Nigeria
"I have been talking to a lot of players who want to play for the national team.
"All of them show great passion to represent Nigeria. For many of us, it means a lot to play for Nigeria.
"It is not going to be easy to play teams like Russia, Lithuania, but we'll play as hard as we can to make a dream come true."
http://www.fibaafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1559%3Angr-tournoi-preolympique-obasohan-impatient-de-jouer-pour-le-nigeria&catid=69%3Anigeria&Itemid=128&lang=en

[CKR13]

Nigeria : Grassroots basketball underway in Benue (http://www.starafrica.com/en/more-sports/detail-news/view/nigeria-grassroots-basketball-underw-211678.html)

[rikhardur]

NGR - London not too far away

LAGOS (Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Nigeria's chances of making it to the 2012 Olympic Games are bigger than a lot of people think.

At least that's according to national team coach Ayodele Bakare, whose optimism is based on the country's vast pool of experienced talent to draw from, and an improved Nigerian Basketball Federation administration.

Nigeria, despite a chaotic start to their preparations last summer, won the bronze medal at Afrobasket 2011 in Madagascar to book a place in the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which is to be staged in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas in the first week of July.

Three places for the London Games will be at stake.

Nigeria will take part in the event for the first time.

Which teams are in the best position to make it to London?

"Nigeria, for sure," Bakare said to FIBA.com.

"Then, Lithuania and Greece."

Angola, Jordan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and hosts Venezuela are the other teams in the mix.

Bakare, who has coached Nigerian national teams at all levels, including youth and women, took over last year after the resignation of Nigeria coach John Lucas, a great player in the NBA who also coached in the league.

Bakare says Nigeria were in Orlando, Florida, preparing for the Afrobasket when everything fell apart.

"We were having a training camp when suddenly we had no coach, no players," Bakare said.

"The original team was completely broken.

"We had to call some players who were already on holidays.

"The way my players made a commitment, I just have to give them credit."

The team, under Bakare and led by Ime Udoka, travelled to Madagascar and finished third after a 77-67 victory over Ivory Coast.

Bakare says that Nigeria's prospects have improved since Afrobasket 2011, when the national team "had many administrative problems" to overcome.

Looking for reinforcements

Bakare believes the Nigerians have the potential for a much stronger squad than the one that showed up last year in Antananarivo.

"We keep monitoring regularly potential players for our national team," he said.

"We have a number of players based in Europe and the USA.

"Some of them were born outside Nigeria, but all of them hold Nigerian passports.

"This increases our chances to select a strong team."

Familiar foes

In Caracas, Nigeria could cross swords with three teams they have met before: Angola, Korea and Venezuela.

In 1998, they celebrated their first-ever win in a FIBA World Championship game by hammering Korea, 89-65.

Nigeria lost 84-77 to Venezuela at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Angola and Nigeria have faced each other at the Afrobasket over the years.

Bakare expects the strongest opponents to come from the old continent.

"The European teams are always tough to beat," he said.

Nigeria can draw on impressive results from years gone by to serve as inspiration.

Six years ago in Japan was one of the most famous, when Nigeria prevailed 82-75 victory over Serbia and Montenegro to make worldwide headlines.

"We will surprise some people," Bakare said.

"We are doing everything to get all players together, and the federation is committed to giving into the players' demands."

Might the obsession with foreign-based players affect home-based players' motivation?

"Clearly our national championship has no players of the quality of those in the main leagues around the world, but it does not mean we disregard them," Bakare said.

"Our policy is to keep at least two home-based players in the national team.

"If you recall, when the US Dream Team appeared at the 1992 Olympics, they used one college player (Christian Laettner) among the NBA professionals.

"This policy applies to Nigerian players who have left the country in the last 12 months, and everybody is happy with it.

"Home-based players react positively to this policy as we seek to name the best players for the national team, as everybody wishes us to do well."

Nigeria are second to Angola in the FIBA Africa Rankings, and 21st in the FIBA World Rankings, yet they have never played in an Olympic tournament.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/50503/arti.html

[CKR13]

Head coach Ayodele Bakare is optimistic about Nigeria's chances in the additional Olympic Qualifiers.

Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria’ll Shock The World- Bakare (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/02/06/olympic-qualifier-nigeriall-shock-the-world-bakare/)

[CKR13]

We Are Optimistic- Nigeria Coach

Nigeria national team basketball coach, Sani Ahmed believes Nigeria can scale through and qualify in July’s playoffs termed FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament between July 2 and 8 to play in this summer’s Olympic Games in London.

Nigeria was recently drawn against hosts Venezuela and Lithuania in a quest to pick an Olympic slot in basketball. D’Tigers as the national basketball team is called missed an automatic chance last year when it came third in the Afrobasket for men in Madagascar.

Although the team won a consolatory gold medal at the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, last year, it was not enough to guarantee a place in the world’s biggest sports setting-the Olympics. To qualify, Nigeria will have to survive a play offs in July, in Caracas, Venezuela.

But the coach who guided the men’s team to the gold medal in Maputo, Sani Ahmed said the crew is optimistic even though it will not be an easy task. “I saw the draw and groupings. I believe Nigeria has a chance if we plan well.

We have played both the hosts Venezuela and Lithuania at the U-21 level in Argentina before; that was two years ago. So we know some of their players. We know at least six of the Venezuelans that will play against us in the playoffs.”

Ahmed, who also doubles as Kano Pillars basketball coach revealed that the coaching crew has submitted a six week preparation programme to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for implementation which he believes will help in the qualification quest. “We cannot assemble earlier than six weeks before the playoffs because the American NBA season is on.

You know most of our players are from the NBA so it will be difficult to assemble them while the season is on. What we have done is that we have drawn up a six week plan between the end of the season and the playoffs to the NBBF. When this is fully implemented, we hope that it will put us in better stead to qualify.”

Ahmed said friendly tune-up matches are also in the offing against countries like Puerto Rico and an Asian country before the qualifiers.

Nigeria opens her campaign July 2 against Venezuela before engaging Lithuania July 4. Greece will confront Jordan, Russia against Korea while Angola battles FYROM on the opening day as Jordan engages Puerto Rico, Venezuela vs Lithuania, Korea vs Dominican Republic and FYROM vs New Zealand on the 3rd.

The last group matches will have Puerto Rico battle Greece, Lithuania vs Nigeria, Dominican Republic vs Russia and New Zealand vs Angola. The two best placed teams from each group will play the quarter finals while the third placed teams will be eliminated.

The quarter final is slated for July 6 while the 5th will be a rest day. The semi final is slated for the 7th while the final will hold July 8. The playoff winners will qualify for the Olympics.

-leadership.ng (http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/16010/2012/02/11/we_are_optimistic-_nigeria_coach.html)

[rikhardur]

NGR - Ogide hoping for NT chance

SAN SEBASTIAN (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Andy Ogide has been to one Olympics already.

The Lagun Aro GBC forward hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and the Summer Games were staged there in 1996.

Now, just several months away from the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela, Ogide has a shot of making Nigeria’s national team and trying to help them reach London.

There are three places still available for the Games and the Nigerians will be among the 12 sides trying to claim one of them in Caracas.

They will play in Group B against Lithuania, a team that has played at every Olympics since 1992, and hosts Venezuela.

“I'll definitely go to camp and we'll see what happens,” Ogide said to FIBA.com.

“Hopefully, I'll make the team. I want to go.

“I know we didn't qualify, but I'll go to camp and see what happens.”

Ogide did join Nigeria for some of their workouts before Afrobasket 2011 but did not play for the team at the event in Madagascar, where the national side finished third.

Based in Spain

One thing that should help the former standout at Colorado State make the Nigeria squad this summer is that he will have a year of professional experience under his belt.

He began his career in the LEB with Breogan and is now on the books of Lagun Aro, who played in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night in Barcelona and were eliminated by Caja Laboral.

“I'm getting used to the game here and trying to help out my teammates as much as I can,” he said.

“I love being in Spain so far so hopefully I can stay a little longer.

“I was doing well (in Breogan) but then kind of fell out with the team a little bit and decided to leave.

“Lagun Aro called me up, so I guess I did well enough when I was playing there.”

Minutes have been sparse for Ogide with Lagun Aro, a team based in San Sebastian.

The level of basketball in the Liga Endesa is very high.

“It's very good here,” he said.

“I love playing basketball against tough competition.

“I have no problem getting up for every game because you are going to face great players and that's one thing I'm excited about.”

He is taking things one day at a time.

Next season, he could join a new team in Spain or in a different country.

“I don't know,” he said.

“My agent handles all that.

“I would love to play here as long as possible, but you never know what happens.

“I'll go back home in the summer, NBA workouts and stuff and see where my career takes me.

“But I would love to play in Spain again if I had the opportunity.”

Nigeria chance

When it comes to this summer, Ogide knows he will have to be in top shape, and form, to make the Nigeria team.

“They have a lot of talent,” Ogide said.

“I have talked to one of the coaches when I was with my last team, so that's good.

“I know there will be good competition going into the camp but I'm just looking forward to the opportunity.”

Should he make the national side and help Nigeria then earn a place in the Olympic tournament, there would be another reason for Ogide to be excited.

“I have family in London as well so I'd love to be able to play there,” he said.

Right now, Ogide can at least dream of making the squad and playing at the Olympics.

“It would mean everything to me,” he said.

“I'm from Atlanta and I was able to go to the Olympic Games in Atlanta and the atmosphere there was unreal.

“I never dreamed I might have a chance of playing there so it would mean the world to me.”
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/50643/arti.html

[CKR13]

Another article on Andy Ogide from the Leadership.Ng

Olympics: Ogide Wants D’Tigers’ Action (http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/16836/2012/02/20/olympics_ogide_wants_d%E2%80%99tigers%E2%80%99_act ion.html)

[rikhardur]

NGR - Umeh: “We just have to be prepared early”

WURZBURG (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) – Michael Umeh is an American from Houston, Texas, who is spending his fifth season playing professionally in Europe – in Germany, Spain and now again in Germany for New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig.

The 27-year-old also has played at the past two FIBA Africa Championships for Nigeria, helping them finish fifth after losing to Cameroon in the Quarter-Finals in 2009 in Lybia and grabbing third place at the 2011 AfroBasket in Madagascar.

That result gave Nigeria a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT), where head coach Ayo Bakare’s African side was drawn in Group B with European powers Lithuania and OQT host nation Venezuela.

One of the key players for Bakare will be Umeh, who started the season with Spanish top flight side Blancos de Rueda Valladolid before leaving Espana and returning to Germany, where he played two seasons with LTi Giessen 46ers following a collegiate career at University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV).

FIBA.com caught up with Umeh at Braunschweig’s recent Beko BBL game at s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg to talk about the state of the German game; African basketball in general; Nigeria’s chances in Venezuela; and what it would be like to be at the 2012 Olympics in London.

FIBA: You are back in Germany after leaving Spanish club in December. What happened there?
Umeh: I just got in a wrong situation. Maybe the coach and you have a different style. There’s a certain way I’m accustomed to playing and I just had to find that situation.

FIBA: The German BBL has set the goal to be the top domestic league in Europe by the year 2020. The main model for the Germans is Spain. You were in Spain and are now back in Germany. How do you compare the German and Spanish leagues?
Umeh: I just see a lot more teams with a lot bigger budgets willing to spend more in Spain. The quality of the game in Spain – how they move the ball, the way they do things – has always been the model due to how they structure their system. The domestic players are very good. They are very smart. That’s the only difference I see. The quality in Germany is probably still the same. It needs to improve a little bit more. But it’s always been a good league. And I’ve seen some improvements.

FIBA: Moving onto the Nigerian national team now, the draw for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament is out and Nigeria were drawn into Group B with Lithuania and hosts Venezuela. Your thoughts on the group?
Umeh: It’s a tough draw. Good quality teams. But I think if we prepare well and we prepare early we will have just as good a chance as anybody. I’m not too familiar with Venezuela but I’m sure they are preparing just as we are

FIBA: And then in the Quarter-Finals, Nigeria would face either Greece, Jordan or Puerto Rico.
Umeh: It’s doable definitely. If you’re playing well and things are clicking and things are in order then you always have a chance.

FIBA: In Madagascar last summer, African superpower Angola were beaten by Tunisia in the Final. What does it mean for African basketball that Angola lost?
Umeh: African basketball is very big about preparation. And I think the reason why Angola went down is Tunisia was well prepared. They were a quality team when you talk about the quality of the game and how you move the ball, the spacing, how well you execute and create your advantages. That’s what wins you basketball games. And African basketball is not known for that. We’re more known for physical play. But there’s not a lot of smart play. That’s the way Tunisia played and that’s why they got the win.

FIBA: What does Nigeria have to do to advance to the Olympics?
Umeh: Just be prepared early, have things in order and hopefully the best guys will come to play and are ready to sacrifice for the country. Usually we are always competitive enough to get it done but definitely last time we didn’t have a couple guys. One of our better players did come and we had just as good a chance as anybody. You have to put together the right team. Not the right players.

FIBA: You have been to two African Championships, what would it mean to be at the Olympics this summer?
Umeh: It’s a dream. I told myself when I was 27 that I would want that opportunity. I’m 27 now and the opportunity is here we just have to take advantage of it.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/presRele/p/newsid/50710/presReleArti.html

[CKR13]

Interview with national forward Michael Umeh.

Nigeria’s Chances Are Bright In Venezuela (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/03/12/nigerias-chances-are-bright-in-venezuela/)

[CKR13]

The condition of the D'Tigers I find appalling. Finance had always been the problem.


Crisis Rocks D’Tigers Camp

Complains and grumbling leading to low morale of players have characterised the camp of the Nigerian basketball team, popularly called D’ Tigers, as they prepare for the Olympic playoff in Caracas, Venezuela from 2-8 July.
One of the players, Victor Okoro, told P.M.Sport that the players are sad with the way they are treated whenever they are called to camp to represent their fatherland.
Okoro complained of poor welfare package, unpaid allowances and their yet to be refunded air tickets.
He, however, said as professionals, they will continue to train ahead of the Olympic playoff tournament for Nigeria to get a slot from the three slots that are up for grabs amongst the 12 countries participating in the tourney.
He reiterated that it is the dream of every sportsperson to participate at the Olympics and that is the force propelling them to remain focused, despite the crisis affecting the team in camp.
“All is not well with the team. We are just in the camp because we know that if we qualify for the Olympics, it will boost our careers. It would be a personal achievement for me to participate at the Olympics.
“If we think about how we have not been paid our allowances and other problems, none of us will stay in camp, but we have resolved to remain focused no matter the crisis,” Okoro said.
He, however extolled the leadership qualities of President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijani Umar, saying he had gone out of his ways several times to make sacrifices for the team, but unfortunately most of the problems persist.
” We need help from the government and private organisations, even individuals who love basketball. Our president, has really tried for the team and none of the players can blame him for these problems. We hope that this game and the players can be given adequate attention,” he said.

-PM Nigeria (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/03/23/crisis-rocks-dtigers-camp/)

[CKR13]

Some bit of good news, NIKE will outfit the D'Tigers for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and until the 2013 Afrobasket tournament.

[CKR13]

Basketball Is Growing In Nigeria (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/03/26/basketball-is-growing-in-nigeria/)

[rikhardur]

NGR – Udoka writes a new chapter

MURCIA (Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - UCAM Murcia raised many an eyebrow in January when they announced the signing of Ime Udoka, a member of Nigeria’s national team.

A veteran shooting guard with several years of NBA experience, Udoka had a reputation as a solid, all-round player.

He could connect from behind the arc, handle the ball well, defend and show plenty of poise.

For a team that's battling against relegation, poise was needed in abundance.

Udoka, who has had stops in Los Angeles with the Lakers, New York, Portland, San Antonio and Sacramento, was looking for a club after the NBA Lockout and when nothing materialized, he elected to return to Spain, where he’d played for Gran Canaria in the 2004-05 campaign.

"It's been different,” Udoka said to FIBA.com, when asked about his return.

“Obviously, playing in the NBA for the last five or six years, you get accustomed to that basketball and that's where you want to be and it's your dream.

“But life takes you to different stages and this is where I am right now, a veteran player to help this team stay in the top division.

“You take a leadership role and take all your past experiences on the court and try to help out.”

Having been in Spain’s top flight before made his move to Murcia easier.

“Knowing how nice Spain is, that's one reason why I came back,” he said.

Since arriving in January, the 34-year-old Udoka has been as good as advertised.

His presence has instilled confidence in his teammates and brought tranquility to the club.

Udoka has averaged 11.5 points, two assists and 4.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.

Murcia are just one place above the drop zone but two and a half games clear of second-bottom Estudiantes.

Udoka and Nigeria

Udoka was an all-tournament selection at last year's Afrobasket.

That was deserved recognition for a player who was Nigeria’s best player in Madagascar.

Udoka says that playing for the African country has been meant a lot to him.

"Definitely,” he said.

“My father telling us about it when I was growing up and my sister playing with the Nigerian team first (Mfon Udoka played at Athens Olympics for Nigeria) and her telling me about how great it was.

“Both of those things are very important.”

At the Afrobasket, though, Nigeria once again did not reach the top of the podium.

They had to settle for a bronze medal, which at least clinched a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela.

Three places for the London Games will be up for grabs at the 12-team OQT, but sadly for Nigeria fans, Udoka doesn’t sound as if he will be there.

"Probably not,” he said.

“A lot of things play into it.

“I have a child, a four-month old baby that I haven't seen in a few months.

“A lot depends on my future decisions with basketball, so we'll see.”

Udoka’s son was born in November and lives in Los Angeles with his mother.

A native of Portland, Udoka is desperate to return to the United States to spend time with his son.

Past frustrations with Nigeria’s national team will make it easier for him to say no to participating this summer.

Udoka says Nigeria have as much talent as any team in Africa but have never made the most of it.

"No question,” he said.

“But, we never get the right talent together.

“That's part of the reason I'm hesitant.

“I feel like we shouldn't even be in the position to go to the qualifying tournament if we had gotten the right people to Africa last summer.”

Udoka says poor organization has been a constant problem for Nigeria.

“The talent is there,” he said.

“It's just a matter of getting it all together and having the preparation time.

“We usually meet for a week and then go and play a tournament.

“That's never going to work against teams that prepare for a long time - even though we're the most talented and can win a lot of games on talent alone.

“In the long run, the teams like Angola (Afrobasket 2011 silver medalists) and Tunisia (2011 champions) that play together and prepare together are the ones that are going to win."

The next big step

Once his playing career ends, Udoka has a very good idea of what he will do.

“Coaching, for sure,” he said.

“Probably the NBA - strictly basketball.

“There are a lot of different avenues.

“The part about it that really got me thinking about it was that all of the coaches I played for mentioned that they want me to coach with them when I'm done. So coach (Gregg) Popovich (San Antonio), Nate McMillan (former Portland coach), Isaiah Thomas (former New York coach) was the first to say it.

“I've been doing coaching clinics for the past three summers with the NBA Players' Association so I've been kind of preparing myself for it. I've built some good relationships so it should be an easier transition.”

Udoka is a perfect candidate to be a coach.

He is a player that has made the most of his abilities and worked under some bright tacticians.

"My knowledge of the game - the way I play, I'm not the most athletic, not the fastest,” he said.

“So I have to think the game and that's the approach I've always taken so I can take that into coaching, I think."
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/51167/arti.html

[CKR13]

An interesting snippet from the pmnewsnigeria (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/04/13/london-2012-olympic-games-nigeria-in-race-against-time/)


Nigeria’s participation in basketball at the 2012 Olympic Games in London rests solely on the senior national men’s team, D’Tigers, who will still have to qualify for the Games through an Olympic Qualifying tournament coming up in Caracas ,Venezuela in July, after their female counterparts, D’Tigress, failed to qualify.
Rashidat Sadiq-captained D’ Tigress were denied another berth at the Olympics, after they featured at the 2008 Olympics in Beijin, China, owing to their failure to make the podium at the 2011 Women’s Afrobasket 2011 in Bamako, Mali.
However, D’Tigers’ third place finish at the 2011 Afrobasket, hosted in Madagascar, could only qualify them for an Olympic play-off in Venezuela, where 12 teams would compete for the three remaining slots for the Olympics.
P.M Sports gathered that the D’Tigers will camp in Orlando, Florida, USA, to prepare for the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will be held on 2–8 July 2012 in Caracas, Venezuela.
Other teams competing with Nigeria in Venezuela are Angola, Dominican Republic, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Greece, Jordan National Team, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Russia.
Speaking on the state of preparedness of D’Tigers for the tournament in Venezuela, at a media parley in Lagos recently, , President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Tijani Umar, expressed delight with the present forms of Nigerian players at their various clubs in Europe and America. The Nigerian basketball boss said: “We are really delighted with the performances of our players at their club, especially those that we have shortlisted for national team camp that will open very soon in America.”
Umar stressed further that various friendly matches have been arranged with top flight nations for the team, adding that they are also in talks with some teams that have qualified for the Olympics to compete in a 4-nation tourney.

[CKR13]

The National Federation has invited 14 players for the initial Olympic roster.

Dike Azuoma (Royal Hoopers)
Ohiero Michael Oko (Royal Hoopers)
Ojo Adeolu Olaiya (Royal Hoopers)
Onyeka Ekpete (Royal Hoopers)
Usman Abubakar (Kano Pillars)
Yusuf Ibrahim Adamu (Kano Pillars)
Mathew Onmonya (Kano Pillars)
Yahaya Abdulwahab (Dodan Warriors)
Bukar Mohammed Biu (Dodan Warriors)
Akita Akpara (Dodan Warriors)
Stanley Gumut (Nigerian Customs)
Ikyaator Orsee (Lagos Islanders)
Onyia Dalignton (Comets)

Head coach: Ayodele Bakare
Assistant coach: Ahmed Sani
Assistant coach: Ayinla Johnson
Team Physician: Samuel Ogbedimu

[CKR13]

Catching up with Ime Udoka:

Udoka Eyes Coaching Job (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/04/16/udoka-eyes-coaching-job/)

[CKR13]

Olympics: Coach Bakare Sure Of Qualification

Head coach of Nigeria’s male senior national team Ayo Bakare is confident that Nigeria will survive the Olympic Qualification Tournament slated for July 2-8 in Caracas, Venezuela.

Speaking at the close of the 3-Day first phase camping at the national stadium, surulere, Lagos at the weekend, Coach Bakare’s optimism stems from how the 14 home-based players called to the 3-Day camping exercise responded to training with a positive mind-set.

The coach who qualified Nigeria for her maiden FIBA World Championship outing in 1998 is on the threshold of making another history as Nigeria chases her first outing in the male basketball event of the Olympic Games.

Coach Bakare took over the reign of the national team with few days left to the 26th Afrobasket in 2011 in Madagascar and earned an Olympic qualification slot with a third place finish at the Africa basketball show-piece after two dismal outings in 2007 (Angola) and 2009 (Libya).

The Nigeria national team tactician applauded the coming of DStv (SuperSport) into the Nigeria league, saying that the partnership has yielded positive result.

“If funds permit us to run our programme at full cause I have no doubt that Nigeria will be among the 12 finalists at the Basketball Event of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“I must praise the home-based players for responding to training positively and the full cooperation of the coaching crew, which is made of: me (Bakare) Sani Ahmed and Ayinla Johnson.

“I can beat my chest and say confidently that Nigeria will rule the Africa scene from the next Afrobasket whether I’m in charge, I say this because of the goals laid down which will make iteasy for any coach to follow and improve on.

“The coming of DStv/SuperSport (MultiChoice) into the Nigeria basketball scene has really changed the face of Nigerian basketball and I can confidently say that home-based players can form the bulk of our national team with proper planning and exposure which must include foreign training tours.

“With what we the coaches have seen in the last three days of practice I can say between eight and six of the home-based players will make the final preparation for the Olympic Qualification Tournament with at least four of them making it to Venezuela.’’

-PM News Nigeria (http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/22713/2012/04/23/olympics_coach_bakare_sure_qualification.html)

[CKR13]

Nigeria pulled out from the Four Nations Cup to be held in Tunisia that features Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Angloa national teams. Instead, Nigeria's national squad will travel to China to play exhibition games on select Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams and China's National Team.

[CKR13]

D ‘Tigers Tour China, Play GB In USA

In order to ensure that the Senior National Basketball team of Nigeria, D’ Tigers, perform well at the Olympics play-off tournament in Venezuela in July, President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF Tijani Umar said plans are in top gear for the team to go on training tour of China and play Great Britain in United States invitational tournament.

Speaking to P.M.Sports exclusively at the Package B Complex of the Abuja National Stadium, Umar said that the Federation will not relent in its efforts to ensure that Nigeria has a good representation at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela, adding that the D’Tigers will embark on a training tour of China by the end of May.

Umar also informed that the Ayo Bakare-coached team will play against top rated teams during their stay in the basketball-playing Asian country.

“We want D’Tigers to qualify for the Olympics; for this reason, we are preparing them for the play-off tournament in Venezuela where 12 best teams that did not qualify automatically for the Games will test their might for the 2012 Olypmics ticket and only three teams will qualify.

So, D’ Tigers will embark on a training tour in China where the team will play some friendly games against some top teams in the country.” Umar said.

He also informed that the D’ Tigers will leave China for United States where they will play the hosts of 2012 Olympics, Great Britain, and Russia, who are also seeking Olympic tickets in Venezuela, in friendly games.

“After playing some teams in China, the team will continue their training tour in United States where D’Tigers will slug it out with Great Britain in a friendly game. The team will also play Russia in a friendly game in United States. The Federation is looking forward to these games because Britain have qualified for the Olympics as hosts, and Russia are also contesting for the Olympics ticket at the play-off tournament in Venezuela,” Umar stated.

The D’ Tigers began their preparation for the Olympic Qualifying tournament on Thursday with camping of 14 local players at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

-PM News Nigeria (http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/04/23/d-tigers-tour-china-play-gb-in-usa/)

[CKR13]

Head coach Ayo Bakare stated that from the fourteen players called up initially, four will be included for the final lineup.

[Mojado]

Head coach Ayo Bakare stated that from the fourteen players called up initially, four will be included for the final lineup.

If he stands by his word, Nigeria will be out with three losses.

[Mojado]

Al Farouq Aminu gets his Nigerian passport now...so he should be considered "naturalized" since he applied for it just recently.
The question is: Does Ike Diogu will be considered "naturalized" as well?

Players in the extended roster:

Michael Umeh
Champs Oguchi
Michael Eric
Al Farouq Aminu
Alade Aminu
Ike Diogu
Olumide Oyedeji
Ejike Ugboaja
Derrick Obasohan
Victor Oladipo
Jeff Varem

Not being on board:
Ben Uzoh
Solomon Alabi
Jaleel Akindele
Festus Ezeli
Ime Udoka

[PRSURF]

Al Farouq Aminu gets his Nigerian passport now...so he should be considered "naturalized" since he applied for it just recently.
The question is: Does Ike Diogu will be considered "naturalized" as well?

Players in the extended roster:

Michael Umeh
Champs Oguchi
Michael Eric
Al Farouq Aminu
Alade Aminu
Ike Diogu
Olumide Oyedeji
Ejike Ugboaja
Derrick Obasohan
Victor Oladipo
Jeff Varem

Not being on board:
Ben Uzoh
Solomon Alabi
Jaleel Akindele
Festus Ezeli
Ime UdokaThats a great team...

[thespywhozaggedme]

Called it on Aminu on page three. Uzoh had a triple double and Alabi had 19 rebounds with the Raptors on the final day of the season. Why aren't they on the final roster? Imagine if Nigeria had a lineup of something like this:

PG: Uzoh
SG: Udoka
SF: Aminu
PF: Diogu
C: Alabi or Ezili

That would far and away be the best African starting lineup ever.

[Mojado]

Udoka, because probably of his sister since she clashed with the current men's head coach last year. The rest? Wrong agent.

Called it on Aminu on page three. Uzoh had a triple double and Alabi had 19 rebounds with the Raptors on the final day of the season. Why aren't they on the final roster? Imagine if Nigeria had a lineup of something like this:

PG: Uzoh
SG: Udoka
SF: Aminu
PF: Diogu
C: Alabi or Ezili

That would far and away be the best African starting lineup ever.

[Chuck Diesel]

I'm wondering if Epke Udoh has ever been contacted or made statements recently about playing for Nigeria. He'd certainly help the defensive frontline. Too bad about Udoka and the rest of those guys. I'd really like to see this team come out with a fully stocked roster 1-12.

[thespywhozaggedme]

Udoka, because probably of his sister since she clashed with the current men's head coach last year. The rest? Wrong agent.

Why would the need the "right" agent to play for a national team? It's incumbent upon Nigerian Basketball to field the best players and those guys that I mentioned are.

[Mojado]

Why would the need the "right" agent to play for a national team? It's incumbent upon Nigerian Basketball to field the best players and those guys that I mentioned are.

Maybe their agent tells them not to play?^^ Why werent they part of the NT in Madagascar last year?

[Mojado]

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/05/14/dodan-warriors-prodigy-dreams-olympic-games/

Five home-based players will be part of the pre-select in China.
Even though Bakare stated before, that as many as four will be part of the final roster, I expect maybe 1-2 players based out of Nigeria will travel to Venezuela.

[Rotela]

Mojado i'm very impressed with how you get your information. I'm a keen follower of Nigerian basketball, and I'm really hoping that we can get the best of the Nigerian-born players out there, I have even made a list of all Nigerian born players in the US hoping that someone will see it and scout them for our NT....Please keep your information coming....

[Mojado]

http://globegazette.com/sports/isu-s-ejim-earns-nigerian-national-team-tryout/article_53ea3a4e-aeb1-11e1-b012-001a4bcf887a.html

Ejim is the only player out of college to compete for a spot. The national-team is still in Nigeria and not in China due to logistical problems.

[sixama23]

http://globegazette.com/sports/isu-s-ejim-earns-nigerian-national-team-tryout/article_53ea3a4e-aeb1-11e1-b012-001a4bcf887a.html

Ejim is the only player out of college to compete for a spot. The national-team is still in Nigeria and not in China due to logistical problems.

Are Uzoh and Alabi with the NT at the moment? I thought that they weren't included in the preliminary roster...:confused:

Mojado, do you know who are the rest 14 (except Ejim) players of the roster?

[Mojado]

Are Uzoh and Alabi with the NT at the moment? I thought that they weren't included in the preliminary roster...:confused:

Mojado, do you know who are the rest 14 (except Ejim) players of the roster?

Do you really think the author knows who will be part of the team? Lets just wait and see if Uzoh and Alabi will be down for D'Tigers.

Dont know the final 14 but there should be three Nigeria-based players now with them.

[CKR13]

A good read on Melvin Ejim.

Home court advantage: Ejim seeks Olympic opportunity in Nigeria (http://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports/mens_basketball/article_733c32e6-af4f-11e1-ab72-001a4bcf887a.html)

[Rotela]

This is the list that is floating around but it's yet to be confirmed....If its confired then I beleive Nigeria will be one of the strongest team on paper.

Al-Farouq Aminu - New Orleans Hornets (NBA)
Solomon Alabi - Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Ben Uzoh - Tpornto Raptors (NBA)
Melvin Ejim - Iowa State (NCAA)
Michael Eric - Temple (NCAA)
Noruwa Agho - Columbia (NCAA)
Ekenne Ibekwe - Bayreuth (Germany)
Koko Archibong - LTi 46sers (Germany)
Derrick Obasohan - Cocodrilos (Venezuela)
Olumide Oyedeji - Qingdao (China)
Ike Diogu - Arecibo (Peurto Rico)
Akin Akingbala - Nancy (France)
Richard Oruche - Academica (Portugal)
Tony Skinn - Ironi Ashkelon (Israel)
Ike Ofoegbu - Pioneros (Mexico)
Ezenwa Ukeagu - Sparta (Luxembourg)
Ejike Ugboaja - Jahesh (Iran)
Ade Dagunduro - Leuven (Belgium)
Stanley Gumut - Customs (Nigeria)
Usman Abubakar - Customs (Nigeria)
Mike Ohiero - Royal Hoopers (Nigeria)

[sixama23]

This is the list that is floating around but it's yet to be confirmed....If its confired then I beleive Nigeria will be one of the strongest team on paper.



NBBF invites Aminu, Diogu, Alabi for Olympic qualifier

Top NBA stars Al Farouk Aminu, Ike Diogu and Solomon Alabi are among the 21 players picked by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to represent the country at the 2012 FIBA World Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in Venezuela next month.
The 2012 FIBA World Olympic qualifying tournament will hold in Venezuela from the July 2 to 8, 2012.

The top three teams from the tournament automatically qualified for the 2012 Olympics and the technical crew of D’Tigers believes the team has what it takes to make it to London.

For the preliminary stages, Nigeria is drawn in the same group as Lithuania and the host country, Venezuela. Two countries will emerge from the group and face one of either Greece or Puerto Rico in the next round.

NBBF President, Mallam Tijani Umar, at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday assured that the national men’s basketball team will qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

According to him, the current team being assembled was the best ever the country could produce.

“We can assure you that the team we have in place and the programme we are putting together for the team will ensure that we perform well at Venezuela and gain qualification for the Olympics”, Umar stated.

He said the technical crew was working hard to ensure that the country qualifies for the Olympics.

Head coach of the team, Ayo Bakare said the players were invited based on their availability and current form, expressing optimism that the current crop of players can defeat any team in the world.

The players left both Nigeria and the United States of America last night to resume camping in China from where they will move to Houston in USA before heading to Brazil for a four-nation tournament.

“Tonight, the national team is departing from two locations. Players and officials will depart from Lagos to China while our foreign-based players will leave Los Angeles, USA at the same time for China”, Umar revealed.

Five: Olumide Oyedeji (CBA), Michael Eric (USA), Solomon Alabi (NBA) and Akin Akingbala (FRANCE)

Four: Ike Diogu (NBA), Ejike Ugboaja (IRAN), Ike Ofoegbu (MEXICO), Ezenwa Ukeagu (USA) and Anagonye Aloysius (USA)

Three: Koko Archibong (GERMANY), Al Farouk Aminu (NBA), Melvin Ejim (USA) and Ekene Ibekwe (USA)

Two: Ade Dagunduro (BELGIUM), Stanley Gumut (NIGERIA), Derrick Obasohan (SPAIN) and Richard Oruche (USA)

One: Tony Skinn (Israel), Usman Abubakar (NIGERA), Mike Ohiero (Nigeria) and Noruwa Agho (USA).

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=164496:nbbf-invites-aminu-diogu-alabi-for-olympic-qualifier&catid=5:sports&Itemid=5

Very strong squad...
Probably the best African squad ever...

[Khalid80]

Very strong squad...
Probably the best African squad ever...

I've always wanted to see Nigeria playing with all their top players and it seems this will finally happen... I don't know whether they can qualify to the Olympics but one thing for sure is that Lithuania and Venzuela will have their hands full after Nigeria was previously considered to be the weakest team in the group.

[Mindozas]

I've always wanted to see Nigeria playing with all their top players and it seems this will finally happen... I don't know whether they can qualify to the Olympics but one thing for sure is that Lithuania and Venzuela will have their hands full after Nigeria was previously considered to be the weakest team in the group.

And they still aren't at their best... However, definitely a team to beat

[Khalid80]

And they still aren't at their best... However, definitely a team to beat

Yeah! Imagine if they also had Ben Uzoh, Ekpe Udoh and Emeka Okafur playing with them as well...

[Mindozas]

Yeah! Imagine if they also had Ben Uzoh, Ekpe Udoh and Emeka Okafur playing with them as well...

+ Udoka was really important guy there, he was like a backbone of the team, great all-around player. Sadly he decided to skip this summer, which was a surprise for me, cause finally NT looks a real deal, maybe he was already tired of all those wasted promises from federation through-out the years.

[Mojado]

+ Udoka was really important guy there, he was like a backbone of the team, great all-around player. Sadly he decided to skip this summer, which was a surprise for me, cause finally NT looks a real deal, maybe he was already tired of all those wasted promises from federation through-out the years.

He hasnt been pleased with the way Bakare treated his sister.

Wonder why Michael Umeh is not on the roster. Same goes for Akognon and Oguchi. All three would be more suitable then Abubakar,Ohiero, Agho, Gumut,Dagunduro and Oruche.

I dont get it why players like Oruche (Portugal) and Ukeagu (Luxembourg) are called-up...

If the pre-roster stays like that, the team could be like that:
Oyedeji C
Akingbala C
Diogu F
Ugboaja F
Ofoegbu F
Aminu F
Ibekwe F
Obasohan G/F
Gumut G
Skinn G
Abubakar G
Archibong G/F

(I included Gumut and Abubakar only because the head-coach wants Nigeria-based players on the squad.)

[Mojado]

News regarding Ejim: http://www.amestrib.com/sections/sports/isu-cyclones/men%E2%80%99s-basketball-passport-issues-nearly-kept-ejim-nigerian-team-tryout
"Because he originally got his passport after he was 15-years old and currently lived in America, it wasn’t as easy as filling out some paperwork."

Also, Venezuela is scouting Nigeria - Brad Greenberg (Maccabi Haifa) is doing the research: http://www.punchng.com/sports/olympic-qualifiers-nigeria-give-musselman-sleepless-nights/

[JGX]

News regarding Ejim: http://www.amestrib.com/sections/sports/isu-cyclones/men%E2%80%99s-basketball-passport-issues-nearly-kept-ejim-nigerian-team-tryout
"Because he originally got his passport after he was 15-years old and currently lived in America, it wasn’t as easy as filling out some paperwork."
[/url]

Just so we're clear, that's his Canadian passport they're talking about. Not sure why getting his previous passport after he was 15 would make it harder to renew, it looks like it's easier to renew if you were at least 16 (http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/ren.aspx?lang=eng&region=USA) at the time of your previous passport application.

[sinobball]

They are playing Olumide Oyedeji's former team in China, the import-less Foshan Long Lions (second worst team in the CBA despite 3 good imports), and won the first game 74-47 and the second game 84-54. Another rematch on Wednesday. On Thursday they play another Chinese team, Fujian Sturgeons.

http://ww3.sinaimg.cn/bmiddle/9de80419gw1dttz1jy5kkj.jpg

[Mindozas]

They are playing Olumide Oyedeji's former team in China, the import-less Foshan Long Lions (second worst team in the CBA despite 3 good imports), and won the first game 74-47 and the second game 84-54. Another rematch on Wednesday. On Thursday they play another Chinese team, Fujian Sturgeons.


Any boxscores available or atleast best scorers/performances? thnx

[sixama23]

Any boxscores available or atleast best scorers/performances? thnx

That would be great! I have already searched for boxscore/stats but I found nothing.

I am very curious to find out if all the 21 invited players, are with the team right now.

I am pretty sure that the guy with No 12 on his jersey is Ejike Ugboaja.
Al Farouq Aminu uploaded a photo from China on his twitter account, which means that he is training with the rest of the team.

I can't recognize any other players at the photos...:confused:

[Mojado]

Just so we're clear, that's his Canadian passport they're talking about. Not sure why getting his previous passport after he was 15 would make it harder to renew, it looks like it's easier to renew if you were at least 16 (http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/ren.aspx?lang=eng&region=USA) at the time of your previous passport application.

True. Just wondered what took him so long to get one. How do you travel between Canada and the US? Dont you need a passport to do it?
Regarding his Nigerian passport:
From what I know, a visa to visit Nigeria is more costly than to apply for a Nigerian passport. Therefore, a lot of U.S.-Nigerians hold a Nigerian one as well (from an early age on).
Will be interesting to see if Aminu and Diogu will be cleared to play for D'Tigers. One received his passport just lately while the other played for the U.S. before (and has been let go by USA Basketball some time ago).

[Mojado]

That would be great! I have already searched for boxscore/stats but I found nothing.

I am very curious to find out if all the 21 invited players, are with the team right now.

I am pretty sure that the guy with No 12 on his jersey is Ejike Ugboaja.
Al Farouq Aminu uploaded a photo from China on his twitter account, which means that he is training with the rest of the team.

I can't recognize any other players at the photos...:confused:

Number 15 is Big O and I see Koko Archibong on one of the pics.
Dont know Number 8 though.

[JGX]

True. Just wondered what took him so long to get one. How do you travel between Canada and the US? Dont you need a passport to do it?


They have everything they need up there in America Junior, no need to leave the country :)

Presumably his current passport expired later this summer (they're valid for five years and he first came to the US in 2007) but needed six months validity to get the Chinese visa and so had to renew it on short notice.

[Mojado]

They have everything they need up there in America Junior, no need to leave the country :)

Presumably his current passport expired later this summer (they're valid for five years and he first came to the US in 2007) but needed six months validity to get the Chinese visa and so had to renew it on short notice.

Thanks for clearing this up ;)
Why did Canada not include him? Is he not a junior-NT-calibre-player?

[Rotela]

#6 is Ike Diogu
#10 is Koko Achipong
#7 Aminu
#8 Ade Dagunduro

Will it be possible for the person who posted the pictures to post an analysis of the players or the box score of the games.

Looking at the team I think we might be undersized at the Centre position and lacking in the guard sport, Noruwa Agho is a very good guard and the best player on the Columbia team, but he didnt play last season because of a knee injury, other Guards that are available and could have done very well for Nigeria include Ben Uzoh - Raptors, Victor Oladipo - Indiana and Kevin Olekaibe - Fresno State

[sinobball]

Sorry no box score found (probably because nobody did it), not even top scorer for either team.

However today's game was televised by a local channel, I have the video (RMGB, 777.9MB) but I didn't watch it since I'm not interested, just PM me if you want the video. Foshan got destroyed 64-110, don't think that's great practice for Nigeria. After the Fujian game (14th) they'll play 2 games against Shanxi Brave Dragons on 16th and 17th.

Edit: watched a little bit of video, Foshan actually only trailed 19-20 after 1 quarter but then collapsed. I didn't watch the entire video but from the bits I see, Foshan (whose main players already suck majorly without imports) actually gave a lot of playing time to 2-3 benchwarmers who couldn't score in double digit in an entire CBA season as well as 3-4 junior players with no CBA experience (and probably won't ever have, based on what I see). Nigeria got a lot of easy points from turnovers, since some of the Foshan junior players look the type that will turn the ball over playing against a chair. Nigeria doesn't look like a terribly strong team despite the blowout margin, as their offense is mostly fast breaks + second chance points and their defense seems disorganized. #7 Aminu looks the most impressive from the little bit I saw, I don't really recognize the other players besides Diogu and Oyedeji, and the 2 commentators also don't recognize 90% of the players on the floor for both teams (neither do I). Again, I can share the video if anyone wants it.

[sinobball]

Nigeria beat Fujian Sturgeons 84-56. There was a moment of silence before the game for the victims of the crash on June 3.

http://www.longlions.com/upload/Photo/201261512244881964.jpg
http://www.longlions.com/upload/Photo/201261512232584177.jpg
http://www.longlions.com/upload/Photo/201261512221542846.jpg
http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/large/78f7c9edgw1dty2ep39moj.jpg

From the last picture, I can see the scoring breakdown:
Fujian: Zhang Yong 13, Chen Jinlong (no CBA experience) 9, Lo Yi Ting 9 -- missing all 5 starters (Roberson, Abbas, McDonald, Gong, Zhao) while 5 junior players are on the list.
Nigeria: Aminu 18, Diogu 16, Ibekwe 14, Oyedeji 9

[Rotela]

Thanks a lot for this, really appreciate this, please keep us posted with any pictures, comments or videos that you might have......

Players I can recognise

#1 - Tony Skinn
#3 - Melvin Ejim
#5 - Ekenne Ibekwe
#6 - Ike Diogu
#7 - Al Farouq Aminu
#8 - Ade Dagunduro
#10 - Koko Achipong
#12 - Ejike Ugboaja
#15 - Olumide Oyedeji

[sinobball]

Nigeria beat Shanxi 94-80 in Game 1 which was close for 37 minutes, until Aminu pulled the game away with his penetrations on a 14-3 run. Quarter scores: 24-26; 41-44; 68-65, 94-80. Considering Shanxi is without its 2 imports who combine for 60+ppg in the CBA this isn't a great result for Nigeria, even if you consider the home factor. And it's not like Shanxi played its main players the entire game since junior player Tian Guisen scored in double digits.

Rematch today.

[Rotela]

@ sinoball, Nigeria are also missing some potential players.....please let us know how the final game went, thanks again for the update.

[sinobball]

@ sinoball, Nigeria are also missing some potential players.....please let us know how the final game went, thanks again for the update.Of course, I was just expecting a larger margin of victory. In addition to the 2 imports, Shanxi is also missing 3 important bench players from last CBA season, and the player from Taiwan hasn't arrived yet. Maybe Nigeria is focusing on testing the players, maybe the refs were way too rigged, I don't know. Perhaps we shouldn't read too much into this.

In the second game Nigeria won with the same margin 84-70. All I know is they were up 41-31 at half time. I'm not aware of any other games they have in China, do you?

[Mojado]

Of course, I was just expecting a larger margin of victory. In addition to the 2 imports, Shanxi is also missing 3 important bench players from last CBA season, and the player from Taiwan hasn't arrived yet. Maybe Nigeria is focusing on testing the players, maybe the refs were way too rigged, I don't know. Perhaps we shouldn't read too much into this.

In the second game Nigeria won with the same margin 84-70. All I know is they were up 41-31 at half time. I'm not aware of any other games they have in China, do you?

That's it for Nigeria in China. They landed some hours ago in the United States.
Alade Aminu is thinking about joining the NT. He just finished his season by winning the French title.

[sixama23]

Nigeria: D'Tigers Battle Brazil, Greece, New Zealand in Invitational
By Orkula Shaagee, 18 June 2012

The Nigeria senior men basketball team, D'Tigers will from June 25 to 30 battle Brazil, Greece and New Zealand in a 4-National Invitational Basketball tournament to be held in Brazil.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Basketball Federatyion, Segun Ikuesan told Trustsports by phone that the Brazil tournament will be the last to be attended by the Nigerian side before heading to Caracas, Venezuela for the London Olympic Games men's basketball playoff next month.

Before the invitational tournament, Ikuesan also said D'Tigers will play the Great Britain national team in Houston, United States of America on Thursday.

"The Nigerian side will have a taste of full national team action when they take on Great Britain national team in Houston, United States of America on June 21, before honouring a 4-nation tourney from June 25-30 in Brazil where they will play against Greece, Brazil and New Zealand before heading for Caracas", Ikuesan stated.

He also informed that the D'Tigers will tomorrow round-up it training tour of China where the Coach Ayo Bakare-tutored side played six build-up games ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated for July 2-8 in Caracas, Venezuela.

According to him, three players, Michael Ohiero of Royal Hoopers, Stanley Gumut of Customs, Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars; and coaches Ayo Bakare and Sani Ahmed penultimate Wednesday left Nigeria for China and were joined by two assistant coaches Tim Shea and Dominic Okon and eight foreign-based professionals led by team captain Olumide Oyedeji.
The Nigeria senior national side, which is aiming to make its first ever men basketball event of the Olympic Games, began its build-up with a three quick wins over Foshan Long Lions basketball club on June 9, 10 and 13 by 84-54, 74-47 and 110-67 points.

The Nigeria side also edged past Fujian Quanzhou Bank basketball club by 84-56 and Shanxi Zhongyu basketball club by 94-80 in its last warm-up.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201206180459.html

I have also confirmed that Akingbala is not with the team. Alabi probably isn't with them too.
If only 8 foreign-based players joined the team in China, then perhaps Obasohan isn't with the team even...

As Mojado has already said, Alade Aminu is planning to join the NT. He will probably join the team in Houston.

[Mojado]

I somehow doubt that Alade Aminu will be playing for them. They are having a game today against GB and he's in D.C. The Brittons are still waiting on Gordon and Mullens to appear...
The PG position and the center position are a problem since there is no quality sub for Oyedeji and Skinn for D'Tigers. Umeh would have been good and a scorer like Akognon. Anagonye was also called up,right? Michael Eric?

[Rotela]

Really hard to get information right now on who has joined the team. From the video I saw in China, Nigeria really needs so re-enforcements, hopefully the game against GB will show where we are. Funny enough my childhood friend Ogo Adegboye is in the GB squad and starting point gaurd, he was also born in Nigeria

[Rotela]

http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/National%20Team

Diogu with 33 points, another Nigerian-born Point guard Ogo Adedboye had put Great Britain up by 3.

[Mojado]

Nigeria - GB Video: http://youtu.be/dJBNXWSakGY

[Rotela]

Michael Eric has been involved in the NBA drafts with Sixers, Wizards and Warriors see below.

http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/

[sixama23]

I somehow doubt that Alade Aminu will be playing for them. They are having a game today against GB and he's in D.C. The Brittons are still waiting on Gordon and Mullens to appear...

Alade Aminu confirmed via his Twitter that he traveled to Sao Paolo, Brazil with the Nigerian NT...

http://twitter.com/Aminu_34/status/216486247055622144

Alabi and Akingbala are out. Obasohan is in.

The 12 players who played in the friendly against GB were:

Skinn, Ibekwe, Diogu, Al Farouq Aminu, Dagunduro, Oguchi, Archibong, Oruche, Ugboaja, Obasohan, Ejim, Oyedeji.

https://p.twimg.com/Av82vlcCQAA-7BT.jpg:large

[Mojado]

Alade Aminu confirmed via his Twitter that he traveled to Sao Paolo, Brazil with the Nigerian NT...

http://twitter.com/Aminu_34/status/216486247055622144

Alabi and Akingbala are out. Obasohan is in.

The 12 players who played in the friendly against GB were:

Skinn, Ibekwe, Diogu, Al Farouq Aminu, Dagunduro, Oguchi, Archibong, Oruche, Ugboaja, Obasohan, Ejim, Oyedeji.

https://p.twimg.com/Av82vlcCQAA-7BT.jpg:large

So none of the Nigeria-based players travelled to China and the US. Thought that this would happen.
Agho, Ofoegbu, Ukeagu, Anagonye, Akingbala, Alabi, Eric, Ohiero, Abubakar and Gumut are out.

[GustavoGanso]

Informations of Super 4 Brazil Greece NZE and Nigeria on Greece NT thread

[Olympiacos]

Informations of Super 4 Brazil Greece NZE and Nigeria on Greece NT thread

Thanks.

[Rotela]

Will anyone be able to record or upload the games...

[sixama23]

Tough loss for the Nigerian NT tonight...

Brazil - Nigeria 104-65

Match Report (http://site.cbb.com.br/Noticias/Show/9994) (in Portuguese)

[GustavoGanso]

Greece and Nigeria, moments of second half:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUoDgkW1X2Q

[Mojado]

Its obvious that Nigeria lacks a back-up PG in case Skinn has a bad day. I wonder what would have been if Umeh would have joined if invited. Even Badmus would have been a better back-up then what they got now.

[Mojado]

Skinn is sick. Now Nigeria got a serious problem.

[Rotela]

Sick of what ? what does he have ?

[Mojado]

Sick of what ? what does he have ?


Stomach...check twitter.

[Rotela]

Preview Of the games from a Nigerian perspective..

http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/

[Rotela]

Nigerian team doing very well, im so proud, follow us here.... http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/nigeria-defeats-greece-80-79.html

[christodoulou76]

Congratulations to the Nigerian team for a great victory today! And good luck tomorrow against Russia! I will be rooting for you all the way!

[Terrorizer]

And good luck tomorrow against Russia! I will be rooting for you all the way!
Well I hope that three upsets in a row against elite European teams is too much to handle even for this very sympathetic Nigerian NT. Yet I love them for showing such a dedicated and passonate performance fighting like there is no tomorrow all the way. Great team!

[christodoulou76]

Well I hope that three upsets in a row against elite European teams is too much to handle even for this very sympathetic Nigerian NT. Yet I love them for showing such a dedicated and passonate performance fighting like there is no tomorrow all the way. Great team!

I am sure Russia will qualify one way or another (either through SF win or 3/4 win), and they deserve to, but it would be nice to see Nigeria go through as well.

[Terrorizer]

I am sure Russia will qualify one way or another (either through SF win or 3/4 win), and they deserve to, but it would be nice to see Nigeria go through as well.
Yeah, I agree with you. It would be very nice for Nigeria to qualify fr Olympics 'cause they surely deserved it. After first game I thought that the best composition of qualified teams would be Macedonia-Nigeria-Russia (in alphabet order) but sadly Macedonia blowed its huge lead and lost it to rather primitive DR team all by themselves. Worrying sign for European basketball that 2 out of 4 Euro teams are stopped in QF round. And we don't know how it turns out for Liths today.

[Rotela]

Can you guys tell me how Russia plays ? I know nothing about them, but I know they have Kirinlenko and Mozgov, are they better than Greece ?

If Nigeria can qualify, then we can lure more players to the team like Festus Ezeli, Kelenna Azubuike and Ben Uzoh.....I really hope we can do it....good luck to Greece in the future, you guys are very good fundamentally and I love the way youmove without the ball, Nigeria needs that type of coaching....

[Federoy]

Congrats Nigeria!!!!! Awesome result.

[sixama23]

If Nigeria can qualify, then we can lure more players to the team like Festus Ezeli, Kelenna Azubuike and Ben Uzoh.....I really hope we can do it....good luck to Greece in the future, you guys are very good fundamentally and I love the way youmove without the ball, Nigeria needs that type of coaching....

Yes, you can call extra players in case you qualify. But I don't think that Nigeria needs many additions. Just a PG instead of Oruche is fine. If Ben Uzoh is available, that would be great. Udoka also deserves a spot, if he wants to play of course. But it will be unfair to leave some players from the current squad out of the Olympics.

Nigeria must built on this team and try bringing all these players together even for the Afrobasket. If this squad was last year in Madagascar, then Nigeria would have qualified directly for the Olympics.

[Rotela]

Yes I agree, I think we might need a 7 footer as well, Ezeli or Alabi. In regards to the future, we need our organisation to stay consistent, they have been really bad in the past.

[Rotela]

Big game against Russia today, I really hope we win this one, but the Russians are very good, read the preview here... http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/olympic-preview-nigeria-vs-russia.html#more

[Mojado]

Big game against Russia today, I really hope we win this one, but the Russians are very good, read the preview here... http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/olympic-preview-nigeria-vs-russia.html#more

Really hopin for another miracle...but even with a loss, Dominican Republic in the final should be possible to beat!

[Mojado]

Can you guys tell me how Russia plays ? I know nothing about them, but I know they have Kirinlenko and Mozgov, are they better than Greece ?

If Nigeria can qualify, then we can lure more players to the team like Festus Ezeli, Kelenna Azubuike and Ben Uzoh.....I really hope we can do it....good luck to Greece in the future, you guys are very good fundamentally and I love the way youmove without the ball, Nigeria needs that type of coaching....

There is no need for Uzoh who sucked in FIBA competition and who declines repeatidly to play for D'Tigers.
I dont see Ezeli in this team too. Who would you replace? Aminu brothers are more experienced and Diogu is scoring like heck - No need for a rookie when it comes to men's hoops.
Azubuike is British and injured since 100 years.
Aladi...never blossomed in the NBA, played only a few games in total.

I would add Michael Umeh as a PG. Akognon maybe if Umeh doesnt wanna play.
Oruche is the one that needs to be replaced. Thats it.

[Terrorizer]

There is no need for Uzoh who sucked in FIBA competition and who declines repeatidly to play for D'Tigers.
I dont see Ezeli in this team too. Who would you replace? Aminu brothers are more experienced and Diogu is scoring like heck - No need for a rookie when it comes to men's hoops.
Azubuike is British and injured since 100 years.
Aladi...never blossomed in the NBA, played only a few games in total.

I would add Michael Umeh as a PG. Akognon maybe if Umeh doesnt wanna play.
Oruche is the one that needs to be replaced. Thats it.
Agreed on all counts (except for the addition of Akognon) but I think that very experienced and classy big men Uche Nsonwu-Amadi and Akinlolu Akingbala wouldn't hurt this team instead of some from mostly disappointing Ibekwe-Oyedeji-Ugboaja-Archibong quartet. Yet I don't know the real reason of their absence in the squad and if they didn't want to play for their NT in qualies they shouldn't be invited to the team when it made it to the Olympics.

[sixama23]

I would add Michael Umeh as a PG. Akognon maybe if Umeh doesnt wanna play.
Oruche is the one that needs to be replaced. Thats it.

I think Mojado is right. Umeh has played again for Nigerian NT and he has experience from international competitions.
Umeh instead Oruche and Nigeria is just fine. More additions would probably damage team's chemistry.

Also, it would be unfair for the players who achieved the qualification, not to be part of the Olympic Team.
Akingbala didn't show up earlier in the summer despite the fact that he was called.
Ibekwe-Oyedeji-Ugboaja-Archibong were all part of the team since the beginning of the preparation in China.
It's unfair to leave these guys out of the Olympics and called someone who declined to participate in the training camp.

[Mojado]

Agreed on all counts (except for the addition of Akognon) but I think that very experienced and classy big men Uche Nsonwu-Amadi and Akinlolu Akingbala wouldn't hurt this team instead of some from mostly disappointing Ibekwe-Oyedeji-Ugboaja-Archibong quartet. Yet I don't know the real reason of their absence in the squad and if they didn't want to play for their NT in qualies they shouldn't be invited to the team when it made it to the Olympics.

Nsonwu-Amadi never represented Nigeria internationally. Dont know why.
Akingbala did not reply to requests to tell why he is not playing this time. He would be a good add, but maybe he has his reasons.

The players that didnt played (Uzoh,Alabi,Akindele,Ezeli) are all with one agent. Enough said.

[yogaflame]

I'm happy for Nigeria. Off topic, but i hope basketball will be an instrument of peace in there country, this success will unite them.

[Rotela]

I feel like Nigeria needs a 7 footer in the tournament, the tallest player we have is 6'10 and thats Alade Aminu, we need one of either Alabi, Ezeli or Michael Eric for their height. I have no problems with your pg suggestions.

[thespywhozaggedme]

What about Ekpe Udoh? I never hear his name mentioned.

[Mojado]

How about Yemi Nicholson, who signed with Slupsk (Poland) today? Nigerian mom should do it...

[Rotela]

Read the preview here (http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/olympic-games-preview-tunisa.html), with all things possible, Nigeria can come third in the group.

[Rotela]

Dude was one of the standout players in the Olympic tournament, he played ball at the University of Nebraska and I think he is playing in Belgium currently, read the full interview here (http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/team-nigeria-interview-adeola-dagunduro.html), he talks about his faith and his Nigerian up bringing.

[Mojado]

Read the preview here (http://nigerian-basketball.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/olympic-games-preview-tunisa.html), with all things possible, Nigeria can come third in the group.

Thats a bit too optimistic. With a bit of luck, fourth place or fifth place are possible.
You didnt watch a lot of games of Argentina and France in the past years...they do have the edge over Nigeria at the moment.
Lithuania did not play up to 100% against Nigeria because they simply had not to. Tunisia is not only Mejri...how many games did you watch from last year's Afrobasket? Be honest.

[Rotela]

Argetina are very good, but there better players have aged. I know France have not really played well without Tony Parker, and I did not see a lot of Afro Basket games, I know Tunisia have another guy who is 6'6 I think he is the captain, he is also very good.

[Mojado]

Ibekwe is currently down with fever.

[sinobball]

Josh Akognon is tearing it up in the NBA summer league, averaging 20ppg in 20mpg, did he refuse the Nigerian NT or did they never contact him? I know he's a one-dimensional ballhog, but he can be instant offense off the bench, and when he's on, unstoppable.

[CKR13]

Olumide Oyedeji could postpone his retirement from the national team and to compete in next year's Afrobasket.

Nigeria: I Want to Retire As African Champion - Oyedeji (http://allafrica.com/stories/201208070107.html)

[Rotela]

Check out this complete list of NCAA athletes (http://teamnigeriabasketball.com/201213-ncaa-d1-rankings-men/) that are eligible to play for Nigeria, it's a mixture of athletes born in Nigeria and athletes born abroad, what do you all think ?

[Mojado]

Olumide Oyedeji could postpone his retirement from the national team and to compete in next year's Afrobasket.

Nigeria: I Want to Retire As African Champion - Oyedeji (http://allafrica.com/stories/201208070107.html)

Oyedeji is still in the UK without a job.
Archibong, Ugboaja, Oruche and the injured Tony Skinn are also still without a team. Seems like the Olympics did not help to secure a better job.

[Rotela]

Those players you mentioned without a job played limited minutes in the Olympics, all the main guys got offered very good contracts, even Oguchi earned trials for NBA teams but did not make it, he is now in the D league

Alade Aminu - Now in Turkey
Dagunduro - Now in Italy from Belgium but currently injured
Diogu - In China, he didnt get signed by the Phoenix Suns
Ibekwe - Now in Spain from Germany
Obasohan - In France, played in Latin America last year

So you can see that the main guys got better deals from last year.