Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, has finalized its 12-man roster for the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship, scheduled to take place in Angola from August 13th to 31st. The team, under the leadership of interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, aiming to reclaim their continental dominance after a disappointing outing in the 2021 edition. The squad selection process has been rigorous, culminating in the inclusion of NBA players like Josh Okogie and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, alongside established names such as Talib Zanna, Stan Okoye, and Mike Nuga. This core group will be complemented by the contributions of Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, Emmanuel Omogbo, Ike Nwamu, and Caleb Agada, forming what many believe to be a formidable lineup capable of challenging for the championship.
The final selection signifies the conclusion of a competitive selection process, with players like Fola Fayemi, Kareem Joseph, and Mohamed AbdulSalam being omitted from the provisional squad. Peter Olisemeka’s exclusion due to ineligibility further underscores the stringent criteria applied in assembling the final team. Drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon, D’Tigers face a challenging path to the knockout stages. Their campaign commences with a match against Madagascar on August 13th, followed by crucial encounters against Tunisia and Cameroon, both known for their basketball prowess. Navigating this group successfully will be paramount to their hopes of deep tournament progression. The team’s recent warm-up games against Guinea, resulting in a win and a narrow loss, have provided valuable insights into their current form and areas for improvement.
The tournament will be co-hosted by the Angolan cities of Namibe and Luanda. Namibe will be the venue for the group stage matches, while Luanda will host select group fixtures and the entirety of the knockout rounds, culminating in the championship game. This dual-city format adds a unique dimension to the competition, exposing teams to different environments and requiring adaptability throughout the tournament. For Nigeria, the memory of their premature exit in the 2021 AfroBasket, where they suffered a shock defeat to Uganda in the pre-quarterfinals, serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the tournament and the need for consistent performance. This year’s campaign represents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to reassert their status as a continental basketball powerhouse.
Interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, who has been at the helm since last year’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Tripoli, carries the responsibility of guiding the team to success. His previous experience with the team, including securing qualification for the tournament with victories over Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde, provides a foundation for building a winning strategy. The recent warm-up games against Guinea served as a crucial part of their preparations, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate player combinations and refine tactical approaches. The close contest in the second game, despite the narrow loss, demonstrated the team’s fighting spirit and resilience, qualities that will be essential in the high-pressure environment of the AfroBasket.
The inclusion of NBA players Josh Okogie and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu adds significant depth and talent to the Nigerian squad. Okogie, a seasoned guard, brings valuable experience and scoring ability, while Akobundu-Ehiogu, known for his defensive prowess, can provide a formidable presence in the paint. Their integration with the rest of the team, including veterans like Talib Zanna and Stan Okoye, will be key to Nigeria’s success. The blend of youth and experience within the squad offers a promising balance, potentially providing the dynamism needed to navigate the challenges of the tournament. The coaching staff will be tasked with optimizing the contributions of each player, creating a cohesive unit capable of performing at a high level consistently.
The 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship represents more than just a basketball tournament for Nigeria; it is an opportunity to reaffirm their standing as a leading basketball nation on the continent. Following the disappointment of 2021, the team is determined to make a strong statement and contend for the title. The carefully selected squad, a blend of NBA talent and seasoned veterans, under the guidance of coach Abdulrahman, will be striving to overcome the challenges posed by their group opponents and progress deep into the tournament. The warm-up games against Guinea have provided valuable experience and exposed areas for improvement as the team finalizes its preparations. The stage is set for a thrilling tournament, and Nigeria aims to be a prominent force in the quest for African basketball supremacy.
