Nigeria are in Group A alongside Central African Republic, Uganda, and current champions Tunisia. D’Tigers are favourites in the encounter, just as they would be when they confront Uganda in their second group game on Friday.
The must-watch game of the group would be the clash between Nigeria and Tunisia in their final group game on Sunday. The clash is expectedly so due to the array of experienced players in both teams.
Nigeria coach William Voigt named a 12-man team on Sunday, leaving no one in doubt that his plan is victory or nothing.
On the roster are Michael Umeh, Ben Uzoh, Chamberlain Oguchi, Michael Gbinije, Stanley Okoye, Jamal Olasewere, Al-Farouq Aminu, Olaseni Lawal, Alade Aminu, Ike Diogu, Olumide Oyedeji and Andy Ogide.
The big challenge for Voigt ahead of today’s game, however, will be how to get Diogu back on his feet following the ‘minor’ injury he sustained in the team’s last tune-up game. Diogu was seen on Sunday limping with two crutches but the players said he would be fit for the opener.
But despite the huge task before the team, Barcelona Lassa power forward Lawal, who is making his debut with Nigeria, believes the rest of the players have what it takes to get the job done this time around.
In 2011, Nigeria beat Central African Republic in the quarterfinals before going on to finish third behind Tunisia and Angola.
“I think we have a good enough team to win. These guys have been here before, they really want it badly, and I want it badly too because to represent your country is such a big thing,” Lawal was quoted as saying on FIBA.com
The first phase of the tournament will be played in a round robin format, with every team taking on their three opponents in the group. All teams will advance to the round of 16, which is the first knock-out stage.
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