D’Tigers forward, Jordan Nwora said his invitation to the national team was not influenced by his father who is the head coach of the D’Tigers, Alex Nwora.
Nwora will be making his competitive debut when Nigeria take on Uganda in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers on Friday in Lagos.
Nwora told ACLSports he has the potential to make the country proud.
“I think I am prepared. I work on court every day working on my skills to get better and I think I can help us win.
“It’s not about my dad. I am the one training on court every day. I won’t be here without him for sure but he makes the decision and a lot of people who have seen potential in me,” he said
The Louisville University forward competed in the tune up games against Cote d’Ivoire and Benin Republic.
Nwora said there is a huge disparity between African and American basketball.
“It will be fun for me because it’s a new experience. It’s tough because every one goes physical. It’s different from what we see in the US so I have to be tough and physical and play the best I can play.”
Nwora said he won’t be pressured as he plays his first competitive game infront of his home crowd on Friday.
“I’ve played for a bigger crowd and I know how this will turn out because you are playing for your country and it’s much bigger than what I have played for. I’ll get into it when we start playing,”said Nwora
Nwora also talked about his desire to play in the NBA in the future and his favourite Nigerian meal.
“One day I want to play in the NBA so I want to work hard every day hoping I can get there and have a successful career. I’ll keep playing basketball and getting better.
“My dad loves Nigerian food so I taste all that stuff. I eat it in the States too. My favourite is fufu and egusi soup”.
Meanwhile, D’Tigers head coach Alex Nwora disclosed that his wife played a huge part in convincing his son to come play for Nigeria after interest from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
“The country wanted him, they begged me to bring him here and it took a lot of convincing from my wife to allow him play for Nigeria because he has the opportunity to play for United States too, he is that good. I am just being a proud dad”
“We should expect a lot from Jordan. He brings a lot to the table. He’s a game changer anytime he steps on the court from his youth till now at University of Louisville. He stands a chance of making a living through the game and also an opportunity to play for his father land.
Nwora said his son is good enough to be in the national team and he understands what is expectated of a national team player.
“If I don’t think Jordan deserves to be here, he won’t. I won’t do that to him. If Jordan is not good enough he won’t be on my team and I won’t embarrass him to come play for the national team same thing goes to my girls. If they don’t work hard and compete like an Olympian because that’s what countries are looking for.” He concluded
