NSC Charges D’Tigers To Go For Gold

NSC Charges D’Tigers To Go For Gold

Precious Oham

Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, departed the country for Angola ahead of the 31st edition of the FIBA AfroBasket Championship, scheduled to hold from 12–24 August 2025, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

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 for the champion’s 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,” Hon. Olopade said.

While Hon. Olopade is away on official duty in the United Kingdom, he ensured he relayed his support to the team, expressing his good wishes and reassuring them of the Commission’s 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 team will be led by NBA star Josh Okogie, with a talented roster featuring 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, the D’Tigers are primed to showcase their talent and determination as they seek to etch Nigeria’s name once again in African basketball history.