D'Tigers Coach David Fizdale Sets Ambitious Targets For Team

D'Tigers Coach David Fizdale Sets Ambitious Targets For Team

Sampson Adedeji

Newly appointed 

D'Tigers head coach David Fizdale has outlined a bold vision for Nigeria’s national basketball team, aiming not just for participation but for podium finishes at major international tournaments, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking shortly after his appointment, Fizdale emphasized that the team must aim high, setting its sights on both the FIBA World Cup and Olympic medals.

“We can't set short goals. We can't just say, 'Oh, we're happy to be in the Olympics.' That is not acceptable. We have to set higher goals".

"We have to set the same goals as the U.S. team, the same expectations as the U.S. team,” Fizdale said.

He added, “Can we reach it? I don't know. 

"But if we're shooting for that and working in that way, pushing ourselves and holding ourselves accountable to be on that level, only good things can come out of that".

"I guarantee you one thing, the guys I've talked to who want to play and are working to get eligibility, they're not going to be happy just to be at the Olympics. They're going to want to win a medal", he told ESPN.

Fizdale’s appointment marks a new chapter for Nigerian basketball, with fans and players eager to see the D'Tigers challenge the world’s elite.