D’Tigers Land in Angola, Set Sights on 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Glory
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have touched down in Luanda, Angola, ready to battle for supremacy at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, tipping off this Tuesday.
Their arrival comes just days after the women’s national team, D’Tigress, made history with a fifth consecutive AfroBasket crown — a feat that has fired up the men to chase their own success.
Final Squad Locked In
Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman has unveiled his final 12-man roster, headlined by NBA guard Josh Okogie of the Houston Rockets. The squad also features Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Talib Zanna, Stan Okoye, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, Emmanuel Omogbo, Ike Nwamu, and Caleb Agada.
Stan Okoye and Ike Nwamu will co-captain the team, bringing leadership and experience to the court. Missing out from the final list are Fola Fayemi, Kareem Joseph, and Mohamed AbdulSalam, while Peter Olisemeka was ruled ineligible. Assisting Abdulrahman on the bench are Deji Akindele and Ikenna Smart.
Group Stage Challenge
Drawn into a tough Group B, Nigeria will square off against defending champions Tunisia, as well as Cameroon and Madagascar.
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Aug 13: Nigeria vs Madagascar
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Aug 15: Nigeria vs Tunisia
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Aug 17: Nigeria vs Cameroon
The knockout rounds begin on August 18, with the grand finale set for August 24 at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.
Chasing a Second Title
D’Tigers are on a mission to reclaim the AfroBasket title they last lifted in 2015. Their 2021 campaign ended in disappointment with a pre-quarterfinal exit to Uganda, but the team is determined to bounce back stronger this time.
With a solid mix of international experience, homegrown talent, and the motivation of D’Tigress’ recent triumph, Nigerian fans are hoping for a championship run that brings the trophy back home.
