NBBF invites 16 D’Tigress stars to Atlanta for Olympics camping

THE Nigeria Basketball Federation has begun its preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by inviting 16 players to Atlanta, United States  of America for a training camp for the Games.

The NBBF said in a press release on Saturday that the training camp will be held at Fairfield Inn & Suites, Atlanta from Sunday, 31 January to Monday, 8 February.

The Olympics were postponed from the initial 2020 schedule to July 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The D’Tigress squad includes Elizabeth Williams who plays for Atlanta Dreams in the WNBA and 26th overall draft pick, Erica Ogwumike of the Minnesota Lynx. Both players are part of the five new faces joining the team.

Nicole Enabosi, who missed out of the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain due to injury, is also invited.

Spain-based forward Amy Okonkwo of Club Deportivo Zamarat, Oderah Chidom of Bulgaria’s Tsmoki-Minsk BC as well as Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah of Pallacanestro Vigarano of Italy are also included in the squad.

Most Valuable Player of the 2020 AfroBasket, Ezinne Kalu, is returning to the team along with France-based pair Promise Amukamara (Charnay BB) and Evelyn Akhator (Flammes Carolo).

Team captain, Adaora Elonu (Uni Girona CB), and other players based in Spain Elo Edeferioka (Celta de Vigo Baloncesto) and Atonye Nyingifa (Ensino Lugo Club de Baloncesto) are in the squad too.

Coach Otis Hughley also invited Sarah Ogoke, Sarah Imovbioh (Basketball Club Namur-Capital, Belgium), 20-year-old guard Elizabeth Balogun of Louisville Cardinals as well as Kosovo Superleague side KB Bashkimi star and four-time FIBA AfroBasket winner, Aisha Balarabe.

D’Tigress are the only African team in the women’s basketball event at the Tokyo Olympics and they will compete with 11 others for medals at the Games.