Basketball in Africa

THE Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has defended the list of 56 players invited for the men and women world championships holding later in the year in Japan and Brazil respectively.

Secretary General of the Federation, Segun Akinlotan while reacting to the choice of the invited players argued that the players' current form and experience were the criteria used for their invitation.

According to him, the invited players are the best the country can present for the world championships which he described as a big tournament.

"We'll know that the world championship is a big competition where only the best of the participating teams are expected to feature and exhibit their skills.

"Therefore any country wishing to do well at the championship must go with her best. It's based on this fact that the players were considered for the call up," he said.

However, Benjamin Eze, who was a key member of men's team to Algiers 2005 Nations Cup and the World Championship qualifiers was omitted from the 32 man list made up of 27 foreign based players and five home-based players.

Some of the lucky players who made the list include Olumide Oyedeji, Chamberlain Oguche, Julius Nwosu, Gabe Muoneke, Imeh Udoka, Tunji Awojobi, Jeff Varem, Ekenna Ibekwe, Kingsley Ogwudire Badmus Ibrahim and Uche Echefu.

Others are Campbell Folarin, Abdulrahman. Mohammed, Abdullahi Kuso, Ayinde Ubaka, Obiora Nnadi, Deji Akindele, Kelechi Azubuike, Josh Akogun, Churchill Ordia, Ndudi Ebi, Sani Ibrahim, Michael Ume, Edem Louis and Ejike Ugbuaja.

The first phase of their camping exercise which will hold in Dallas later this month will last for two weeks while the second phase will hold in Las Vegas between July 8 and 23.Also the women's camping exercise which will kick off on July 15 in Houston, Texas, USA will have 24 players in attendance.

The lucky players include Mfom Udoka, Abi Olajuwon, Mactabene Amachree, Itoro Umoh, Mercy Okorie, Christine Ibekwe, Sandra German, Oluchi Eze, Chioma Udeaja.

Others are, Funmi Ojelabi, Amaka Adebili, Funke Adedeji, Mary Apiafi, Mobolaji Akiode, Julie Obekpa and Ekume James.