Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, is gearing up for the crucial third phase of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tripoli, Libya, from February 17th to 24th. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced a two-phase preparation plan, beginning with a home-based players’ camp in Abuja, Nigeria, starting on February 10th. This initial phase will allow the local players to begin training and strategizing ahead of the qualifiers. The overseas-based players are expected to join the team in Tripoli on February 17th, merging with their home-based counterparts for the final phase of preparation leading into the competition. This strategic approach aims to maximize the team’s cohesion and readiness for the demanding qualifying matches. The stakes are high for D’Tigers, as they currently sit at the bottom of Group B following a disappointing run in the previous qualifying round.
D’Tigers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed, who steered the team in the first qualifying window, features a blend of experience and contemporary expertise. Mohammed will be supported by Deji Akindele, a former Nigerian international player, and Isikaku Smart, an assistant coach with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. This coaching trio will aim to instill a winning mentality and implement effective game plans to guide D’Tigers to victory in the upcoming qualifiers. The blend of international coaching experience from Smart combined with the intimate understanding of Nigerian basketball from Mohammed and Akindele presents a formidable leadership structure. Their collective aim will be to leverage the strengths of the selected players and address the weaknesses that led to the team’s previous setbacks.
The NBBF has released a preliminary 24-man roster, showcasing a mix of home-based talent and players competing in professional leagues across Europe, Asia, and Africa. This blend of experience and exposure to diverse playing styles is expected to enrich the team’s dynamics. The roster includes seasoned players like Ike Nwamu, who will captain the team, and other experienced professionals like Talib Zanna, Christian Mekowulu, and John Egbunu. These players will bring their valuable experience and leadership to the team, guiding the younger talents and fostering a cohesive team spirit. This is crucial, especially given the pressure of the upcoming qualifiers and the team’s current standing in the group.
The home-based players forming the core of the initial training camp in Abuja represent a critical component of the D’Tigers’ composition. Players like Okiki Michael, Sulaimon Azeez, Rayyan AR Salis, Patrick Abah, Abel Offia, Wisdom Anyaoha, Kareem Joseph, Ifeanyi Koko, Ibe Agu, and Vincent Buchi will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and compete for spots in the final lineup that will travel to Libya. This initial camp serves as a crucial platform for these players to impress the coaching staff and showcase their readiness to contribute to the national team. It provides an environment for them to hone their skills and understand the coaching staff’s tactical approach before the arrival of their foreign-based counterparts.
Among the foreign-based players joining the squad are notable names competing in various professional leagues. Zaid Hearst from Spain, Mike Nuga from Latvia, Agada Caleb from Russia, Ugochukwu Simon from Italy, Martins Igbanu from Japan, Abdul Malik Abu from Poland, Bassey Effiong from Ghana, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu from Italy, Jason Jitoboh from Kosovo, and Clinton Osabuohein Best, also playing in Nigeria, bring their diverse skill sets and international experience to bolster the D’Tigers’ roster. Their exposure to high-level competition in different basketball environments is expected to add depth and versatility to the team. This is a crucial factor in preparing for the diverse playing styles they will face in the qualifiers.
The upcoming qualifiers in Tripoli are of paramount importance for D’Tigers. With three losses in the previous round, the team faces a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for qualification to the 2025 AfroBasket tournament in Angola. Only the top three teams from each group will progress to the continental championship. The pressure is on D’Tigers to perform well and secure victories in the upcoming matches. The team’s success in Tripoli will hinge on their ability to coalesce quickly, effectively implement coaching strategies, and deliver consistent performances on the court. The combination of established veterans and emerging talents creates a dynamic team with the potential to turn their fortunes around and secure their place in the 2025 AfroBasket tournament.
