The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) says the availability of players for the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia will largely determine players to be invited to camp.
NBBF spokesperson, Afolabi Oni, said this in a statement on Friday.
According to Oni, the fact that many eligible Nigerian players will be in action in their foreign clubs during the period remains a big challenge.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second phase of the 2021 Afrobasket is scheduled for Feb. 17 to Feb. 21.
He, however, said the NBBF had assured that the team list for the qualifiers would soon be ready.
The NBBF said its scouting system spread across Europe, NBA and also back home were working round the clock to get the best for the country.
“The team list is almost ready because we are looking at the availability of our players in the NBA, players playing professionally out there and the players we have locally hoping to see them in Benin at the National Sports Festival,” he said.
Oni said few names might still be added to the list being compiled, but the federation had penciled down a 25- man list for the qualifiers taking place in Monastir, Tunisia.
“We are finalising that list, but we already have 25 players who are potentially going to make the list.
“Our Technical Officials also will know who is going to be available and it will be made public very shortly,” he added.
The team will open camp a week before the competition.
The D’ Tigers are currently topping Group D after three straight wins over South Sudan, Mali and Rwanda. (NAN)