Mike Brown arrives in Kigali, players in today

FIBA lists Ahmedu, two others as match officials

D’Tigers’ Coach, Mike Brown, has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda ahead of the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers billed to hold from November 27 to 29.

Coach Brown, who touched down on Saturday night, was accompanied by one of his assistants, Kuester John, a former Detroit Pistons coach.

Leader of the delegation, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Vice President, Babs Ogunade, left Lagos for Kigali on Friday ahead of the team.

Former national team point guard, Musa Adamu, who serves as the General Manager of the Nigerian team, confirmed the arrival of the coaches, saying the players are expected in Kigali from today.

Ogunade, who spoke from Kigali yesterday, said all the players would assemble in Kigali directly from their bases.

Meanwhile, Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd) and referee, Kingsley Ojeaburu, who will serve as officials, arrived yesterday. They are among three Nigerians appointed by the World basketball ruling body FIBA for the November window.

A circular by FIBA lists Ahmedu as FIBA Technical Delegate, while Kingsley Ojeaburu and Opeyemi Ogunleye will serve as referees.

Col. Sam, who is also FIBA Africa Zone Three President, is to serve alongside Ferrets Jose of Mozambique and Charles Sanders of South Africa.

While referee Ogunleye will head to Alexandra, Egypt, Ojeaburu will be on duty in Kigali with 14 other referees.

This second window will see 12 teams from Groups A, B, and D in action at the Kigali Arena. D’Tigers will compete in Group D against host Rwanda, Mali, and South Sudan, which has taken the place of Algeria that withdrew owing to fear of COVID-19.