Nigeria’s D’Tigers Gear Up for AfroBasket 2023 Under Interim Coach Mohammed Abdulrahman
The Nigerian national basketball team, D’Tigers, is set to compete in the 31st edition of the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket tournament, hosted by Angola. Leading the team in this quadrennial event is interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, a seasoned figure in Nigerian basketball. Abdulrahman’s appointment comes after successfully steering the team through the final window of the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifying Tournament in Tripoli, Libya, where he secured crucial victories over Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde, ultimately securing Nigeria’s place in the championship.
Abdulrahman’s coaching journey has seen him rise through the ranks of Nigerian basketball. Starting as an assistant coach with Bauchi Nets, he eventually took the helm as head coach and subsequently led various local teams, including Gombe Bulls, Rivers Hoopers, and Nigeria Customs. His experience extends to the international stage, serving as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team in several prominent tournaments, including the AfroBasket Championships (2004, 2005, and 2006) and the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers (2009 and 2023). Furthermore, he has also held the head coaching position for the national team during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 and 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers.
As D’Tigers prepare for AfroBasket 2023, Abdulrahman faces the challenging task of ensuring a strong performance from the 2015 African champions. Drawn into Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar, Nigeria will begin their campaign against Madagascar on August 13th. This opening match will be followed by a crucial encounter with Tunisia two days later, culminating in a final group stage game against Cameroon on August 17th. The team’s success in navigating this challenging group stage will be pivotal in determining their progression in the tournament.
The provisional squad for AfroBasket 2023 is anticipated to arrive shortly, contingent on the issuance of visas. While the Nigeria Basketball Federation is yet to release specific details regarding the team’s training camp, preparations are undoubtedly underway. The team’s performance will be a key indicator of the growth and development of Nigerian basketball on the continental stage.
Abdulrahman’s leadership, coupled with the talent within the D’Tigers squad, presents a blend of experience and potential. The tournament presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reassert its dominance in African basketball and challenge for the title once more. The expectations are high, and the nation awaits the team’s performance with anticipation.
The upcoming AfroBasket tournament will serve as a crucial platform for the D’Tigers to showcase their talent and compete against the best teams on the continent. The competition presents not only challenges but also opportunities for growth and development within the team. As they prepare for the tournament, the focus remains on solidifying team chemistry, refining strategies, and maximizing individual player potentials. The road to the championship is arduous, but with dedicated leadership and a talented roster, D’Tigers aim to make a significant impact in AfroBasket 2023.
