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Diogu, Aminu, Okogie, Jordan headline D’Tigers World Cup list
Diogu, Aminu, Okogie, Jordan headline D’Tigers World Cup list
12 players who will represent Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup have been released.
The D’Tigers head coach, Alex Nwora made the final list known after their Peak Invitational Tournament victory against Poland and Montenegro.
Nwora listed Ike Diogu, a regular throughout the qualifying series alongside Ike Iroegbu, Benjamin Uzoh, Al Farouk Aminu, Zanna Talib and Stanley Okoye.
After series of impressive performances in the friendlies, Stockton Kings, Vincent Nnamdi booked a spot in the team alongside new kids on the block, Chimezie Metu, Jordan Nwora and Joshua Okogie.
2016/2017 EuroLeague championship winner and EuroLeague Final Four MVP, Ekpe Udoh will also be in line to make his debut for D’Tigers alongside Michael Eric
Nwora said the decision to drop Alade Aminu, Ike Nwamu and Deji Akindele who played major roles in the WC qualifiers was not an easy one.
“It was very hard pruning the team from 15 to 12 as required by FIBA. If I had my way, we would have registered all the 15 players for the World Cup because all these players have unique qualities that they bring to the team.”
Nwora who guided Nigeria to become the first country to qualify for the World Cup said expectations are high for the team to perform which has continued to motivate the entire team to go a step further.
“These are the best players we have at our disposal right now. We are very aware of expectations back home.
Recently, Nigeria currently ranked 33rd in the world defeated Dominican Republic (18th), Canada (23rd), Poland (25th) and Montenegro (28th) as part of their preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Nigeria grouped alongside Argentina and Korea will start their world cup campaign against Russia on Saturday in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
FINAL LIST
Point Guards
Uzoh Benjamin Chukwukelo (CB Caballeros de Culican)
Ireogbu Ike (Science City Jena, Germany)
Shooting Guards
Okogie Joshua Aloiye (Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA)
Nwora Jordan Ifeanyi (University of Louisville, USA)
Vincent Nnamdi Gabriel (Stockton Kings, NBA)
Small Forwards
Aminu Al Farouq (Orlando Magic, NBA)
Stanley Okoye (Tecnyconta Zaragoza, Spain)
Power Forward
Diogu Ikechukwu Somto (Bayaman Vaqueros, Puerto Rico)
Zanna Talib (Montakit Fuenlabrada, Spain)
Ekpe Udoh (Utah Jazz, NBA)
Chimezie Metu (San Antonio Spurs, NBA)
Centre
Michael Eric (Darussafaka, Turkey)
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Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership
Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.
Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.
The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.
Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.
Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.
He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”
On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.
Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.
The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.
As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.
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