Nigeria men’s national team, D’Tigers will open camp on June 19 for their Group B FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Lagos under the supervision of head coach, Alex Nwora.
The Secretary General of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Chimezie Asiegbu made this known on Tuesday as the federation intensify efforts to ensure that the team maintains its 100% winning record in the qualification series.
With invited players already contacted and their availability confirmed for the June window being hosted by Nigeria, the official list is expected to be released next week.
The team was initially meant to camp in Buffalo in the United States, but according to the NBBF Vice President of the Musa Kida-led faction, Babatunde Ogunade, Lagos has now been considered.
“We had planned to open the camp in Buffalo but good thinking has advised that we shouldn’t and that we camp in Lagos.”
Ogunade explained that the federation would have wanted the team to train together for a longer period, but due to the commitments of targeted players with their various clubs and the financial implications on the federation’s finances, the boys will stay in camp for just 10 days.
“We have a long list of players. Most of our players are in the middle of different competitions with their clubs abroad. Of course, we are struggling with cash, so overall, we are looking at 10 days of camping.”
Nigeria is currently leading Group B and will hope to maintain their winning run in front of their home fans when they file out against Uganda on June 29.
Their second game of the window will be against Rwanda on June 30 before facing Mali on July 1.