Why do none of the selected Olympics represent Nigeria in Kigali? - FIBA ​​AfroBasket 2021 - FIBA.basketball

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Nigeria certainly had a rather disappointing Olympic Tournament in Tokyo, going 0-3, but why are none of the players who were in Japan a month ago currently participating in FIBA ​​AfroBasket 2021?

The "D'Tigers" are renowned for their inexhaustible resources when it comes to putting together competitive national teams at all times. However, Nigeria have only won the continental title once (in 2015) since their debut in the competition in 1972.

In the list of players selected by coach Mike Brown for Kigali, few of them have already represented their country.

With the unavailability of eight NBA players signed this summer in Tokyo, Brown had to build a whole new formation from almost nothing in three weeks.

Of the 16 players who played for Nigeria in the six qualifying matches, only Omotayo Ogundiran and Emanuel Omogbo are back for FIBA ​​AfroBasket 2021. Ibe Abuchi Agu was selected for the Qualifiers but did not play the least minute.

Stephen Domingo has been shortlisted in the past, but only made his official competitive debut at this FIBA ​​AfroBasket 2021.

Omotayo Jordan Ogundiran against Rwanda in FIBA ​​AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers

Ogundiran averaged 2.7 points and 2 rebounds per game, while Omogbo averaged 4.3 points and 5 rebounds in the Group D first round of the November 2020 Qualifiers.

Among the players present in Kigali, there are four based in the country: Ikechukwu Benjamin, Victor Anthony Koko, Ibe Abuchi Agu and Celestine Benjamin.

With so many squad changes, isn't Nigeria's biggest problem simply its lack of consistency and cohesion?

Brown explains how he built his team and what it's like to coach Nigeria.

“The fantastic thing about Nigerian basketball is that a lot of players want to make themselves available. The difficulty is that this competition comes at a bad time, which complicates things. Brown said.

"This puts us in a difficult situation, a lot of guys wanted to play, but their clubs didn't want to let them come, because the preparation camps are starting now. However, the depth of the Nigerian reservoir is very challenging. »

Mike Brown made his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020

Brown continues: “Caleb Agada wanted to be there [in Kigali]. He took part in the Olympics and then joined the Denver Nuggets for the NBA Summer League. Asking him to come now and give us another two and a half weeks and then continue with the season, that wouldn't have been healthy for his body. »

"As a coach - I started on June 20, but I prepared for it well before that - I've been at the head of this group for two months, with just a week off to visit my parents. As soon as I leave here, I'm going to meet up with the Warriors coaching staff. Two weeks later we will start the NBA season. »

Benjamin Emelogu had a fine debut for Nigeria by racking up 18 points and 8 rebounds in the 81-73 win over Mali on August 25, 2021 in Kigali

“Yes, our team is young and inexperienced, but all this time we spend together to put in place our philosophy and our offensive and defensive systems of play will help to move the program forward. It will be extremely useful for us later, especially with these four players based in the country. Nigerian basketball will reap the rewards later. says Brown.

FIBA