DTigers` first game of the FIBA World Cup Africa Qualifiers will tip off in two days in Bamako, Mali against Uganda and the team will be without the trio of Ike Nwamu, Ikechukwu Iroegbu and Mike Gbinije.
According to sources, the trio who play in the NBA G League for Sioux Falls Skyforce, Agua Caliente Clippers and Santa Cruz Warriors respectively stayed back in the United States. Both Nwamu and Iroegbu are awaiting NBA call up after the All Star Weekend while Gbinije was not released by his team.
The Basketball Federation also dropped all three home based players Eli Abraham, AbdulWahab Yakubu and Musa Usman Mohammed from the final 12-man list. Eli Abraham will be in Mali with the rest of the team as `back up`
Here is the expected final team list.
1. Bryant Mbamalu (CD Vildivia, CHILE)
2. Ike Diogu (Schun Blue Whales, CHINA)
3. Ayodeji Akindele (Belediye Spor, TURKEY)
4. Ben Uzoh (unattached)
5. Ofoegbu Uche (unattached)
6. Ojo Michael Adetokunbo (Worcester Wolves, UK)
7. Mike Efevberha (Sagesse, LEBANON)
8. Obi Emenago (Rouen Basket, FRANCE)
9. Omogbo Emmanuel (VL Pesaro, ITALY)
10. Nwogbo Lotana Afam (Sendai 89ers, JAPAN)
11. Talib Zanna (Ironi Nes-Ziona, ISRAEL)
12. Christopher Obekpa Ewaoche (Tranzaspor, TURKEY).
Games will be played on Friday 23 February against Uganda, on Saturday 24 against Rwanda and on Sunday 25 against host, Mali.
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