Michael Erico, whose father, Joe Erico, played a significant role in Nigeria’s football development, is leading D’Tigers’ 12-player squad to the FIBA World Cup qualifying series’ third window, which tips off on July 2 in Luanda, Angola.

The Nigerian 29-member delegation, which also has 17 officials, is expected to arrive in Luanda this morning ahead of the team’s opening game on Thursday.

The squad was unveiled on Sunday by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), with such experienced stars as Chimezie Metu, Caleb Agada, Paul Dibal, Ikenna Iroegbu, Uchenna Iroegbu and Christian Mekowulu also in the team whose average age is 29.9.

Michael Eric has been on and off the team since debuting for the country over 10 years ago, and sources within the NBBF said the star and some of the experienced players were drafted into the team to enhance the country’s chances of returning to the World Cup.

Stanley Okoye, Kaodiri Akobundu-Ehiogu, Martins Igbanu, Wesley Iwundu and Uzodinma Utomi make up the squad.

This World Cup window is the first challenge facing newly appointed head coach David Fizdale, who will be supported by an extensive technical crew that includes five assistant coaches and two trainers.

The 17-member officials’ delegation also features the team’s General Manager, Chief of Staff, two equipment managers, medical personnel, a security officer, media officer and the NBBF Secretary.

Notably absent from the coaching crew is Abdulrahman Mohammed, who guided D’Tigers during the opening qualifying window for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

The Nigerian team’s arrival today means that they will have just one training session tomorrow before opening their campaign against Tunisia on Thursday.

The late arrival means Fizdale and his squad will have limited time to settle and prepare together before facing one of the tournament’s toughest opponents.

Nigeria currently occupy third place in their qualification group, behind leaders Guinea and second-placed Tunisia, while Rwanda sit at the bottom of the standings.

D’Tigers will be aiming for a strong performance in Luanda to boost their hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.