The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has released a 17-man provisional roster for the senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, ahead of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament set to hold in Angola from August 12 to 24.

Leading the squad is NBA star Josh Okogie, recently signed by the Houston Rockets. Okogie makes a long-awaited return to the national team after a brief hiatus, having previously featured for Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Also, earning a spot is Caleb Agada, fresh off a championship run with Al Ahli Tripoli in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL). The Libyan-based guard brings continental experience and proven scoring prowess to the squad.

Veteran players Ike Nwamu, Mike Nuga, and Talib Zanna are included in the mix, adding depth and leadership to the roster. Home-based talents Peter Olisemeka and Devine Eke, who impressed during this year’s BAL while representing Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) and ASCVD (Senegal) respectively, have also been handed call-ups

Other names on the preliminary list include Kareem Joseph, Wesley Iwundu, Ugochukwu Simon, Stanley Okoye, Folabomi Fayemi, Emmanuel Omogbo, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, and Jekiri Tonye.

Conspicuously absent is seasoned forward Chimezie Metu, who misses out due to a long-term injury setback.

D’Tigers last assembled in August 2023 for the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, a campaign that ended in disappointment as Nigeria failed to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Games.

The team is expected to begin camp next week, after which the coaching crew will whittle down the roster to a final 12-man squad for the tournament.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside reigning champions Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar. D’Tigers will tip off their campaign against Madagascar on August 13, face Tunisia on August 15, and round off the group stage with a clash against Cameroon on August 17.

The knockout phase begins August 18, with the final set for August 24 at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.