The Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigress, will depart the country on Wednesday for Bamako, Mali aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight for the 2017 FIBA Afro basket tournament.

The team will be seeking to win the title it had won in 2003 and 2005. Nigeria was second runner-up in 1997 and 2015.The Nigeria Basketball Federation spokesman, Chimezie Asiegbu, who made the disclosure in Lagos, said that the delegation would be led by the Vice-President of NBBF, Babatunde Oguande.

The statement added that “the 12-man list was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the one-week camping.“They include Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Isreal).

“The Technical crew will consist of two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun, while Mfon Udoka is the General Manager. The statement said in line with the NBBF’s long term plan, Adaeze Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth University)and Elawure Tina Odion (First Bank), identified as future prospects had been added to the 12 man list.

Report by Miyen Akiri