D’Tigers Fired Up for AfroBasket 2025 as Federal Government Pledges Full Support
Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, are set to begin their quest for a second AfroBasket title as the 31st edition of the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket tips off today in Angola. The team heads into the tournament with a major morale boost from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and full backing from the Federal Government.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, met with head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman and the squad, assuring them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire nation are firmly behind their mission to conquer African basketball once again.
“You carry the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians. Play with discipline, passion, and unity. Your country stands solidly behind you,” Dikko told the players.
Drawing inspiration from the recent success of the D’Tigress at the Women’s AfroBasket, Dikko urged D’Tigers to bring the same resilience and winning mentality to the men’s championship.
NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, also expressed unwavering confidence in the team’s ability to repeat past glory.
“You have done it before, and you have the quality to do it again. Go and make the nation proud,” he said.
D’Tigers are in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon. They open their campaign against Madagascar on Wednesday, August 13, face Tunisia on August 15, and wrap up the group stage against Cameroon on August 17.
The competition runs from August 12 to 24, featuring 16 teams, with hosts Angola aiming for a record 12th AfroBasket crown.
