D’Tigress camp bubbles as more players arrive in Maputo

D’Tigress camp came alive yesterday as players and coaches reported to their base in Maputo for the 2020 pre-Olympics qualifiers coming up in Mozambique from November 14 to 17.

The team, comprising returnee, Atosu Upe, 2019 Afrobasket Most Valuable Player Ezinne Kalu, Promise Anumakara, Atonye Nyingifa, Sarah Imovbioh and Evelyn Akhator were received by the coaching crew led by Otis Hughley.

Elo Edeferioka, who was called up by Otis to replace Elizabeth Balogun, who could not make the pre-qualifiers, has also reported to Maputo.

Others in camp are Jasmine Nwajei, Adaora Elonu, Aisha Balarabe, Ify Ibekwe, Victoria Macaulay and Pallas Kunnayi-Akpannah, who may be making her debut for Nigeria if selected in the final 12-man roster.

Nigeria is grouped alongside host- Mozambique and DR Congo in Group A, while Senegal will compete against Angola and Mali in Group B.

The team will have its first training session today ahead of the event starting on Thursday.

According to FIBA, three teams from Africa will join 14 other teams from Europe, Asia and the Americas to fight for the 10 slots on offer at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.