Following the omission of captain Ike Diogu and assistant captain, Ben Uzoh from the provisional 16 man roster by the D’Tigers head coach, an emotional video tribute was released to celebrate both players who would have been making their last Olympic appearance in Nigerian colours.
Ike Diogu remains one of the greatest players in Nigerian basketball history with two Olympic appearances, one AfroBasket title and AfroBasket MVP and is also the all-time leading scorer in Nigerian basketball history.
The 16 man provisional list includes familiar faces like Josh Okogie, Gabe Vincent, Jordan Nwora and a host of others.
Provisional D’Tigers list for Tokyo
Josh Okogie, Gabe Vincent, Jordan Nwora, Chimezie Metu, Jahlil Okafor, Obi Emegano, Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Kz Okpala, Precious Achiuwa, Miye Oni, Ekpe Udoh, Mike Gbinije, Chima Moneke, Ike Iroegbu, Ike Nwamu.
The list is expected to be trimmed down to 12 players who will then represent Nigeria at the Olympics in a couple of weeks from now.