Ibe Agu and Buchi Nwaiwu have been invited to the D’Tigers camp in preparation for the final round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Abidjan this month.
Gombe Bulls forward, Agu, was named the most valuable player at the final 8 of the Kwese Premier Basketball League last year in Kano and also finished in the top 5 of the tournament. He also led his team to their maiden league title beating Kwara Falcons in the final.
Nwaiwu on the other hand, was instrumental for Rivers Hoopers at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in December as they finished unbeaten to win the tournament in Cotonou. The Rivers Hoopers forward was voted the most valuable player and also named in the top 5 of the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Cotonou.
Agu told ACLSports.com,”I feel great and it has always been my dream to play for my country at any time I get the opportunity.”
“At this point in my career, I’ve always believed in myself and what I can do with the ball. I would say it came at the right time because it is God’s time.
He attributed his invite to hard work and consistent effort to improve on his game.
“Hard work will always lead you to your dreams that’s what I’ve always believed as a basketball player and never let God off your way,” he said.
Agu believes his outing in Abidjan later this month will build his knowledge of the game.
“Playing at that level of basketball will build my experience and understanding about the game.
From winning the most valuable player at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers to earning a maiden invite to the senior men’s national team, D’Tigers, Buchi Nwaiwu has undergone a steady rise in his career.
Speaking to ACLSports.com, an elated Nwaiwu admitted his hard work and performance in Cotonou had earned him the call up.
“I feel very happy, honoured and overwhelmed by the news,” Nwaiwu (L) enthused.
“I have longed for a call up to the national team. I am really happy this is happening to me right now. It’s a big achievement because I wasn’t expecting it to happen this quick.”
He further added, “I think I earned this call up as a result of my performance at the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Cotonou last year where I won the MVP and finished in the top 5.
“My going to Abidjan will expose me more and improve my game. I am already working on myself mentally since receiving the news. It is an international competition which I believe will expose me more and serve as a preparatory outing for me ahead of our FIBA Africa Basketball League Group A games in Morocco which comes up a week after the Qualifiers in Abidjan,” Nwaiwu concluded.
The duo will join the 15 players earlier called to camp by D’Tigers head coach, Alex Nwora for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers which takes place in Abidjan from February 22-24.
