Silverbacks announce squad for FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers

Uganda’s national men’s basketball team, the Silverbacks, have named their squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifiers, scheduled from February 26 to March in Alexandria, Egypt.

Drawn in Group D alongside Mali, Angola, and Egypt, the Silverbacks will play their games at the Borg Al Arab Sports Hall.

Eleven of the twelve players have been confirmed, with the final name expected before the team departs for a training camp in Alexandria.

Team manager Albert Ahabwe explained that paperwork issues delayed the announcement of the last player.

The most notable inclusion is Nike Dejur Sibande, a newly naturalised Ugandan guard set to make his national team debut. Ahabwe said the decision was made to strengthen the squad’s scoring options, noting that Sibande’s addition as a wing player fits the team’s long-term plans. Sibande currently plays for Niners Chemnitz in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroCup.

He previously starred in college basketball at Miami University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors, before embarking on a professional career in Finland, Greece, Turkey, and Spain. He now fills the naturalised slot previously held by Ishmail Wainright, Brandon Davies, and Jackson Moni.

The locally based players named include Fayed Bbaale, Joel Kayiira, Titus Lual Odeke, Peter Obleng, and Edgar Munaaba. Ivan Muhwezi misses out, while Tonny Drileba is sidelined with a foot injury. The squad retains experienced leaders such as captain Robinson Opong and forward Deng John Geu, both long-serving members of the Silverbacks.

Uganda’s last major outing was the 2025 AfroBasket Championship, where they lost to Senegal (88–53), Mali (85–72), and Egypt (77–64). Despite the defeats, several players impressed. Deng John Geu averaged 22 points per game, including 27 against Mali. Robinson Opong averaged 12.3 points, scoring 19 against Mali and 14 against Egypt.

Jonathan Komagum contributed 13 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, two steals, and two blocks per game, while Naseef Lubowa averaged 10 points. Jackson Moni added 10 points in his lone appearance.

Uganda’s opponents present varied challenges: Mali thrive on fast breaks, Angola bring physicality, and Egypt rely on accurate shooting and ball movement. To compete, Uganda must improve defensively, limit turnovers, and control rebounds.

The qualification process will be demanding. Sixteen teams will compete across five windows for five World Cup spots. In the first round, teams are divided into four groups of four, each playing six games. The top three teams from each group advance to the second round, carrying forward their results. In the second round, teams play six more games, with the top two in each group plus the best third-placed team qualifying for the World Cup. This format, introduced by FIBA, ensures national teams play more competitive matches and build consistency.

Silverbacks Squad

Fayed Baale, Joel Kayiira, Titus Lual Odeke, Deng Geu, Jonathan Komagum, Peter Obleng, Robinson Opong Odoch(Captain), Tejan Joel Rugette, Nike Sibande Dejur, Edgar Munaaba, Naseef Lubowa