The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has invited 20 players to the first phase of camping in Abuja to mark the commencement of D’Tigress’ preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Murjanatu Musa, who plays for Celta Zorka in Spain, and Ifunanya Okoro of Tindastoll (Iceland) headline the list dominated by home-based players.
AfroBasket winner Nkem Akaraiwe of Nigeria Customs leads the roll call of home-based players, which also includes five MFM players — Regina Donanu, Wandoo Hembam, Idubamo Beggi, Olanrewaju Ayodeji and Abigail Isaac.
Agatha Ternadoo of Energies Basketball Club in Cotonou is also listed, as well as Khadijat Garba, Maryam Idris, Naomi Okoro, Gbemisola Samuel, Tewogbade Ayomide, Osaretin Samuel, Bright Eze, Amarachi Umeh, Isaac Abigail, Chiamaka Iwuji, Isioma Onianwa and Chiamaka Mgboh.
According to the NBBF, D’Tigress will sharpen their skills for the 2024 Paris Olympics with warm-up games against Germany and Puerto Rico. The team will also play warm-up matches during their training camp in Nigeria before heading to France.
Their first test comes on 19 July when they face Germany at the Uber Arena in Berlin during the Basketball Festival. Two days later, on 21 July, they’ll take on Puerto Rico in a friendly match in France.
In Paris, D’Tigress will battle for a quarter-final spot in Group B alongside powerhouses Australia, Canada and host nation France.
The Women’s Basketball competition at the Paris Olympics runs from 28 July to 11 August at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Decathlon Arena).
