African Champions D’Tigress head coach Otis Hughley has released his final 12 players for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2019 from August 10 to 18 at the new Dakar Arena in Senegal.
Hughley kept nine players from the record breaking squad at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.
They include: Atonye Nyingifa, Evelyn Akhator, Elo Edeferioka, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara, Adaora Elonu, Sarah Imovbioh, Ezinne Kalu and Aisha Mohammed Balarabe.
Hughley also strengthened the front court with two bigger players which was one major set back at the World Cup; Ifunanya Ibekwe (6’1″) and Victoria Macaulay (6’4″).
D’Tigress former captain Aisha Mohammed Balarabe commended the inclusion of players with a better height advantage to the team which was a set back at the FIBA Women’s World Cup last year in Spain.
“It’s an advantage for us and for me I was the only one doing the dirty jobs then so now I can rest, get help and return to the court. But I still think we need more big players when you check out other teams they have players that are 6’8 and so we have to look for one two more and we will be fine,” said Mohammed Balarabe.
Jasmine Nwajei completes the roster after missing out of the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup despite making the trip to Spain.
The African Champions begin their title defence against Tunisia on Saturday as they hope to retain the title they won two years ago in Mali.
Full list
Guards: Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, Jasmine Nwajei
Power Forward: Aisha Mohammed Balarabe, Adaora Elonu, Sarah Imovbioh, Atonye Nyingifa
Center: Evelyn Akhator, Elo Edeferioka, Ifunanya Ibekwe, Victor Macaulay
