Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have clinched a spot at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship after a flawless final qualification window in Tripoli, Libya. With their qualification at stake, D’Tigers delivered a spectacular performance, winning all three of their Group B games, culminating in a commanding 77-62 victory over Cape Verde.
A Strong Comeback After a Shaky Start
The road to qualification was anything but smooth for Nigeria. After losing all three games in their previous qualification window, D’Tigers could miss Africa’s premier basketball competition for the first time in 32 years. However, the team bounced back when it mattered most, winning three consecutive games to secure their ticket to Angola for the tournament, set to take place from August 12 to 24, 2025.
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D’Tigers’ Impressive Qualification Run:
Game 1: Nigeria 75-70 Libya
Game 2: Nigeria 87-67 Uganda
Game 3: Nigeria 77-62 Cape Verde
With these victories, Nigeria finished second in Group B with nine points, alongside Libya (10 points) and Cape Verde (9 points). Uganda also advanced as one of the best fourth-placed teams, with eight points.
Leadership and a Revamped Roster Made the Difference
In response to their earlier losses, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) made significant roster adjustments, bringing in more overseas-based players to strengthen the squad. Although the team did not feature NBA stars, they had a solid mix of internationally experienced professionals.
Captain Ike Nwamu, a France-based player, led the squad with determination, emphasizing that failure to qualify was never an option.
“That thought never really crossed my mind,” Nwamu stated. “I knew we would qualify because I knew what type of players we had, what type of staff we had, and what type of preparation we did. And I didn’t want to live with that disappointment.”
Head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed, who also led the team during their initial setbacks, highlighted the challenges that hindered their earlier performances.
“When we went to Tunisia, we didn’t get much time to practice for reasons I can’t really say. We met teams that had put in more days of preparation,” he revealed.
Despite the off-court struggles, D’Tigers ultimately found their rhythm and delivered when it mattered most.
Federal Government Pledges Full Support for AfroBasket 2025
Following their qualification, Nigeria’s Federal Government has assured D’Tigers of maximum support to ensure a successful campaign in Angola. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, pledged that the team’s needs would be fully addressed ahead of the tournament.
“We last won this trophy in 2015. Based on our podium performance campaign, it won’t be out of place to target another success in Angola. They can be assured of our support at the Commission,” Dikko stated.
Dikko also emphasized the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s domestic basketball league, noting that only two home-based players made the final squad.
“Experts always say that a country’s national team is as good as its league. Our growth in basketball will be measured by how many home-based players are good enough to represent the national team,” he explained.
Additionally, Dikko addressed internal conflicts within the NBBF, stating that efforts would be made to resolve disputes and ensure a more stable future for Nigerian basketball.
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Looking Ahead to AfroBasket 2025
As D’Tigers prepare for AfroBasket 2025, all eyes will be on whether they can reclaim the championship title they last won in 2015. Nigeria has consistently been a top contender, finishing as runners-up four times and securing three bronze medals in the tournament’s history.
The 31st edition of AfroBasket will see Tunisia enter as defending champions, while Angola will host for the fourth time.
With renewed confidence and government backing, D’Tigers will now shift their focus to making a deep run in the tournament and possibly securing their second-ever AfroBasket title.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nigeria’s journey to AfroBasket 2025!