Nigeria national male basketball team, D’Tigers, head into this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as the only African team.
They face gold medal favourites USA on Monday night in Houston, Texas, in their last warm-up game.
With the tournament fast approaching, we take a look at everything you should know about the team.
How they qualified
As African champions after winning the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship in Rades, Tunisia. They are the only African nation to ever qualify for the Olympics through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. This was accomplished at the 2012 event when they beat the world elite teams of Lithuania and Greece.
How many appearances?
The Rio Olympics is Nigeria’s second. Their first was at the 2012 London Olympics.
Olympic record
Never won a medal
Qualification for last eight
A top four finish will be needed for Nigeria to advance to the quarter-finals.
Who is the coach?
Nigeria is coached by American, Will Voigt
Current world ranking
24
Opponents
Host Brazil, Argentina, Croatia, Lithuania and Spain in Group B.
Who made the squad?
Nine out of 12 players that won the AfroBasket.
Any new faces?
Three. They include Josh Akognon, Ebi Ere and Ekene Ibekwe.
Stars to watch
2015 AfroBasket Most Valuable Player (MVP), Chamberlain Oguchi, Ike Diogu and Stan Okoye.
Any domestic player in the squad?
No. All 12 players are Nigerian-Americans.
When is Nigeria’s first match?
August 6 against Argentina
