Rivers Hoopers forward, Buchi Nwaiwu has earned an invite to the senior men’s national team, D’Tigers, after an outstanding performance at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in December.

The club’s management confirmed the invitation of the forward to the D’Tigers camp in preparation for the final round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Abidjan this month.

Nwaiwu, who was named in the top 5 of the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Cotonou, was also voted the Most Valuable Player of the competition.

Speaking to the club’s media, an elated Nwaiwu admitted his hard work and performance in Cotonou had earned him the call up.

“I feel very happy, honoured and overwhelmed by the news,” Nwaiwu enthused.

“I have longed for a call up to the national team. I am really happy this is happening to me right now. It’s a big achievement because I wasn’t expecting it to happen this quick.

“I think I earned this call up as a result of my performance at the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Cotonou last year where I won the MVP and finished in the top 5,” he added.

The FIBA World Cup Qualifiers takes place in Abidjan from February 22-24.