NBBF calls up 14 for 2019 FIBA AfroCan

The Nigeria Basketball Federation on Wednesday released a list of 14 home-based players selected for the inaugural edition of the FIBA AfroCan Basketball Championship taking place in Mali, tipping off on July 19 in Bamako.
According to the list drawn up by the D’Tigers Assistant Coach, Ogoh Odaudu, who leads the technical crew to the championship in Mali, Gombe Bulls and Rivers Hoopers top with four players each to dominate the 14-man list headed for Bamako.
Michael Okiki, Ibe Agu, Abdulwahab Yakubu and Istifanus Yakubu all of Gombe Bulls will join Abdul Yahaya, Victor Koko Anthony, Onyebuchi Vincent Nwaiwu and Solomon  Ezra from Rivers Hoopers.
Kano Pillars trio of Azuoma Dike, Lucky Subel and Godwin David, who have been in the African Games camp in Abuja, have all been called up by Ogoh Odaudu.
Others are Hoops & Read sensation, Ogunsemore Jide Michael, Defenders captain Joel Ijigba and Akin Akintunde.
According to Ogoh, players were invited based on their recent performances on international and continental club assignments.
He said: “These are carefully selected players based on their activities in the last one year. We needed to pick players who can easily adapt to the style we will adopt in Mali.”
Ogoh will be assisted by Yakubu Usman, Monday Paul (Defenders) and Fisayo Bello, while former junior international, Victor Okoro, has been appointed as General Manager.
Meanwhile, the NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida, has charged the team to see the AfroCan as a very good challenge to make a name and show the world how strong the Nigerian Basketball League is.
Kida said: “I want you to take this as a very good challenge to make a name for us all on the domestic front and also when you go out, you are going to meet teams that have players coming from outside. I think most teams will have a problem as we are all preparing for the World Cup, but you are going to see surely some teams that are going to present some professionals.”
Kida, who visited the team in camp on Tuesday, said the team must also note that every team will come out strongly against the team with the rising profile of Nigeria on the international scene.
The team will depart for Bamako on Thursday.