D’Tigresses to depart for Mali 2017 FIBA Afrobasket Championship today

Nigeria’s senior women national basketball team, D’Tigresses, will depart from Lagos today for Mali, where they will feature in the FIBA Afrobasket Championship slated t5o dunk off in Bamako on Friday.

According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the team, which will leave Lagos by 9:45 a.m aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight, has NBBF Vice President, Babatunde Ogunade as leader of delegation.

The team also comprises 12 registered players and two alternate stars, three members of the technical crew, led by Sam Vincent and four other backroom staff.

Among the players are team captain, Aisha Mohammed from the University of Virginia, and third overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Evelyn Akhator of Dallas Wings, who stormed the team’s camp on Monday evening.

Others players are Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain), Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain), Chioma Udeaja (First Bank Basketball club), Nkechi Akashili (First Bank Basketball club) and Upe Atosu (First Bank Basketball club).

The 12-man list, which was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the weeklong camping, will also have Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Israel).

In the technical crew are two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun, while Mfon Udoka  (General Manager) and Amachree Mactaben (Player Development Manager) will form part of the delegation for this year’s apex women’s basketball tournament in Africa.

North West zonal representative on the board, Suraju Yusuff, Larai Garba (Team Doctor) and Bakare Umulkuthum (Physio) and Oni Afolabi (Media Officer) will complete the Nigerian team, who will be gunning for their third Afrobasket trophy.