From the vibrant basketball courts of Lagos to bustling viewing centers across Nigeria, the journey of the men’s national basketball team—D’Tigers—continues to spark passionate discussions. Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman recently provided his perspective on the path ahead for Nigeria’s basketball squad after their exit from the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Championship. Despite their quarterfinal defeat, Coach Abdulrahman remains hopeful, emphasizing that the foundations laid during this tournament bode well for future competitions.
Their campaign in the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket saw D’Tigers face a tough Senegalese side, resulting in a 91-75 loss. This marked an abrupt end to their unbeaten 3-0 group stage run and prolonged Nigeria’s quest to reclaim continental basketball glory—a title they last held over a decade ago. Still, as fans across Nigeria and beyond digested the loss, many looked at the quality of basketball displayed and wondered—are better days ahead?
Coach Abdulrahman highlighted in post-game interviews that although the defeat was disappointing, the experience will serve as an important lesson. Instead of seeing the loss as a setback, he views it as a stepping stone from which to build a more formidable and resilient team. “Every game, every challenge on court, gives our young squad invaluable insights—lessons we’ll harness for future tournaments,” he explained, according to the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
Lessons Learned From Afrobasket Campaign
Reflecting on the team’s journey through the tournament, Abdulrahman revealed that limited preparation time posed challenges for the squad. Insider reports suggest Nigeria went into the tournament with minimal training camps and less exposure to elite-level warmup matches compared to North and Southern African rivals.
Despite these challenges, the coach praised the team for significant progress in establishing both a recognizable playing style and a positive team culture. “Building a strong culture has become central to our work; we’re focusing on teamwork, defensive discipline, and fast-paced offense, which are critical for competing with the continent’s best,” Abdulrahman said in a press conference attended by local and international media. He also acknowledged the support system from fans, sports administrators, and former players, who have been instrumental in motivating the team.
“I was part of the 2015 team as an assistant coach and we lost a couple of games. We even lost, I think, 2013 with most of the guys in that group. So, you know, we learn.”
He added:
“They learn. They understand, you know, how to go out and get the result. By the time we get to that stage, you know, we are well prepared.”
“What we need to do, you know, going forward, you know, to build a culture that is going to help us play better.”
D’Tigers Identity and Areas of Improvement
Abdulrahman underscored that one of the standout achievements from this year’s campaign was his team’s growing sense of identity. For the first time in recent memory, Nigeria’s style of play was distinct—emphasizing quick ball movement, aggressive defending, and unity on and off the court. “Our identity is becoming clearer with every competition, and that’s a major plus for our basketball program,” the coach asserted, addressing local sports journalists in Abuja.
Emphasizing that consistent performance is crucial for long-term prosperity, he pointed to the team’s improvement in cohesion and adaptability. According to basketball analyst Chuka Nwosu, Nigeria’s display this year outperformed previous tournaments in tactical execution, even if they fell short of the podium. “The steady progress is evident—what D’Tigers need now is more competitive exposure and infrastructure investment,” Nwosu said in an interview with The Guardian Nigeria.
“You know, in the last six games that we play at this level, it’s the first time we’re losing. It’s actually the first time we’re playing 10-point or 11-point deficit that they have.”
“We know our identity now and we’re just going to move on from there.”
A Brighter Future Ahead for Nigeria’s D’Tigers
Despite falling short of their championship ambitions this time around, Abdulrahman expressed strong confidence that D’Tigers are on an upward trajectory. The FIBA Afrobasket experience has offered the technical team valuable opportunities to evaluate player strengths, adjust strategies, and bolster the side’s competitive spirit. Many local clubs and scouts are also watching emerging talents like Ikenna Nweke and Segun Olatoye, who reportedly caught the eye with their energetic displays in Tunisia.
“By the time we get to that stage, you know, we are well prepared,” he reiterated, believing in the team’s ability to bounce back stronger in future tournaments.
Basketball enthusiasts across the country are now calling for more investments in grassroots development, regular international friendlies, and enhanced support for homegrown talent. This approach, according to Lagos-based coach Olumide Ajayi, could help Nigeria capitalize on its rich basketball pedigree and challenge for top honours in future continental and global events.
In the broader landscape, the lessons from Nigeria’s Afrobasket journey reflect wider challenges for African basketball. Issues of limited funding, infrastructural gaps, and player exodus to overseas leagues are common hurdles—yet the unyielding spirit of teams like D’Tigers demonstrates the immense potential that exists locally. Looking to the future, regional partnerships and support from organizations like FIBA Africa could further elevate West African basketball on the global stage.
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