Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, has departed for Angola to compete in the 31st edition of the FIBA AfroBasket Championship, scheduled from August 12 to 24, 2025.

 

Before the team’s departure, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, sent a rallying message to the players, charging them to aim for the championship title.

 

“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.

 

Although currently on official duty in the United Kingdom, Olopade ensured his message of encouragement reached the squad, reaffirming the Commission’s full support as the team carries Nigeria’s hopes onto the continental stage.

 

D’Tigers, drawn in Group B, will face Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar in what promises to be a fiercely contested group stage.

 

The squad, led by NBA guard Josh Okogie, features an impressive lineup including 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 call-up Mohammed Abdulsalam.

 

With preparations complete and momentum from an unbeaten qualifying run, D’Tigers are set to showcase their talent, grit, and championship ambition as they seek to reclaim continental glory and etch Nigeria’s name in African basketball history once again.