‘Bring trophy home’ — NSC boss rallies D’Tigers ahead of AfroBasket 2025
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, has departed for Angola ahead of the 31st edition of the FIBA AfroBasket Championship, scheduled to hold from 12–24 August 2025.
Speaking before the team’s departure, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, charged the players to give their all in pursuit of the championship medal.
“I urge you to go all out for the championship and bring the trophy home. Use the last four qualifying matches, which were all victories, as your morale booster. No tension — relax, play your game, and make Nigeria proud,” Olopade said.
While on official duty in the United Kingdom, Olopade ensured he relayed his support to the team, expressing good wishes and reassuring them of the Commission’s full backing as they represent the nation in Angola.
Drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar, D’Tigers are set to battle some of the continent’s finest teams as they aim for championship glory.
The squad will be led by NBA star Josh Okogie, alongside Caleb Agada, Ike Nwamu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Talib Zanna, Stan Okoye, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, Emmanuel Omogbo, Fola Fayemi, Peter Olisemeka, Kareem Joseph, and late addition Mohammed Abdulsalam.
With preparations now in the final stages, D’Tigers are primed to showcase their talent and determination as they seek to etch Nigeria’s name once again in African basketball history.
