The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, on securing qualification for the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.
Nigeria, the 2015 Afrobasket champions, staged a remarkable comeback after starting the qualifiers with three consecutive losses. The team delivered huge performances against Libya and Uganda to secure their ticket before another convincing win over Cape Verde 77-62 points in their final game on Sunday.
ALSO READ ON SPORTING TRIBUNE : ‘AFCON is equal to Euros’, Sodje slams Carragher
Olopade, while commending the team’s efforts and resilience throughout the qualifiers, said the Commission will continue to give basketball in the country the needed support to gain global attention.
“This qualification is a testament to the talent and determination of our players, coaches, and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). The National Sports Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that Nigerian basketball continues to thrive on the global stage,” the DG said.
Also, a basketball promoter and founder of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mark Igoche, commended the team’s performance under the guidance of Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed.
He praised the players for their resilience and determination, particularly highlighting their remarkable fourth-quarter performance against Uganda, where they outscored their opponents 32-8.
“All I saw during the games we played against Libya and Uganda was a resilient team driving with a passion to subdue all obstacles, especially against Uganda in the fourth quarter. This typifies the Nigerian spirit,” Mark stated.
Mark also expressed optimism for the future of basketball in Nigeria, offering words of encouragement to the team. He emphasized that with the recent establishment of the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade as Chairman and Director General respectively, the challenges faced by the sport in the past are set to change.
“This feat shouldn’t obliterate the rot and decay that basketball has suffered in Nigeria, but the good news is that with the coming on board of the National Sports Commission under well-seasoned sports administrators, the sport will soon witness that RESET,” he added.
D’Tigers will now shift focus to their preparations for the competition, aiming to make a significant impact when the tournament tips off in August later this year. This year’s tournament will be the 31st edition of the FIBA AfroBasket, with Tunisia as defending champions.
The tournament will be hosted by Angola from the 12th to 24th August 2025.
"He was a symbol of strength, determination and resolve, and created unforgettable moments...
He emphasised the importance of coordination in planning, timely execution, disciplined delivery....
IFAB has already agreed to look at measures to stop players from hiding what they…
He said MMA’s emergence from relative obscurity reflects deliberate institutional backing by the Police....
They’ll capture a league that believes it belongs on the big stage and on April…
The footballer was found guilty of having non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021....
This website uses cookies.