The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has named its final 12-man D’Tigers roster for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in Angola (August 12–25), appointing Caleb Agada and Ike Nwamu as co-captains.
The selected squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent: Caleb Agada (co-captain), Ike Nwamu (co-captain), Josh Okogie, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Talib Zanna, Stan Okoye, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, and Emmanuel Omogbo.
Four players were omitted after the training camp trimmed the provisional group from 16 to 12: Peter Olisemeka, Kareem Joseph, Fola Fayemi, and Mohammed Abdulsalam.
Tournament context and schedule
– Nigeria aims to win a second continental title, a decade after their maiden Afrobasket triumph in Tunisia in 2015.
– D’Tigers are placed in Group B alongside reigning champions Tunisia, Madagascar and Cameroon.
– Nigeria’s group matches are: August 13 vs Madagascar, August 15 vs Tunisia, and August 17 vs Cameroon.
– The group winner advances directly to the quarterfinals; the second- and third-placed teams move to the playoff round.
Notable absences and reactions
Several high-profile names are missing from the final list, including Gabe Vincent, Precious Achiuwa, Jordan Nwora, and Chima Moneke. Those omissions have prompted mixed reactions from fans and analysts; some view the roster as less star-studded than expected, while others see opportunity for a refreshed lineup to establish chemistry and identity. The reasons for absent players may include club or international commitments and selection decisions by the coaching staff.
Preparations and form
In warm-up action, D’Tigers beat Guinea 78–73 in one scrimmage and then narrowly lost 68–65 in a second friendly, showing both competitive promise and areas that need sharpening ahead of Angola.
What to watch
– Leadership and cohesion from co-captains Caleb Agada and Ike Nwamu.
– Defensive intensity and transition play — keys to competing with physical teams like Tunisia and Cameroon.
– How experience (Okogie, Stan Okoye, Talib Zanna) mixes with younger contributors to create consistent scoring and rebounding.
Assessment and outlook
The roster represents a pragmatic balance of veteran presence and newer faces. Absent stars reduce immediate expectations of dominance, but the selection gives room for role players to step up and for the team to develop cohesion. If the D’Tigers can solidify defense, control the boards and find reliable scoring from multiple sources, they remain a credible contender to navigate a challenging group stage and advance deep into the tournament.
Short summary
NBBF named a 12-man D’Tigers roster for AfroBasket 2025 with Caleb Agada and Ike Nwamu as co-captains. The team, a mix of veterans and newcomers, faces Tunisia, Madagascar and Cameroon in Group B. Notable absences have tempered expectations, but warm-up results and the squad’s balance offer a pathway to competitiveness.
Additional comments and suggestions for publication
– Suggested headline: Agada, Nwamu named co-captains as NBBF unveils final D’Tigers roster for AfroBasket 2025.
– Suggested meta description: Nigeria names a 12-man squad led by Caleb Agada and Ike Nwamu for AfroBasket 2025 in Angola; group stage includes Tunisia, Madagascar and Cameroon.
– Tags: D’Tigers, AfroBasket 2025, Nigeria Basketball, NBBF, Angola.
– Suggested featured image ideas: team photo from training camp, action shots of Agada or Nwamu, or a composite of the roster.
– Value-add suggestion: follow-up pieces could profile the co-captains’ leadership styles, analyze tactical matchups vs Tunisia and Cameroon, or preview individual players to watch.
Hopeful angle
This squad offers fresh leadership and an opportunity for lesser-known players to emerge on the continental stage. With clear defensive discipline and a fast-start mentality in the group games, D’Tigers can build momentum and reassert Nigeria as a serious contender at AfroBasket.