Nigeria have released their 12-man roster for the upcoming Rio Olympics with nine returnees from their 2015 Afrobasket success in Tunisia
The three players that did not feature last year but are now on the roster are Josh Akognon, Ebi Ere and Ekene Ibekwe.
But Portland Trailblazers Al Farouq Aminu, who suited up for D’Tigers in 2012 both at the FIBA Qualifying Tournament and at the London Games will be forced to sit out this year’s summer events due to insurance issues, highlighting Nigeria’s lack of financial help as they travel to Brazil.
Despite the absence of Aminu, his brother Alade is on the roster for a second straight Olympic appearance as well as Chamberlain ‘Champ’ Oguchi, the Most Valuable Player of last year’s Afrobasket success and a 2012 Olympian.
Nigeria are housed in Group B of the Rio Olympics and will face off against Argentina, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain and hosts Brazil.
Photo: FIBA
