NSC DG Olopade to D’Tigers: Excel in Afrobasket Qualifiers

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has charged Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, to deliver a strong performance at the final window of the Afrobasket Qualifiers in Libya.

Olopade, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability, said:”I am sure the NBBF and the coaching crew have selected a very strong and technically balanced squad for the country, blending both foreign-based and home-based players.”

He highlighted the importance of basketball in Nigeria, saying, “Basketball is one of our traditional sports as a country, and we have had tremendous success over the years. It is, therefore, essential to continue giving it the attention it deserves from the Commission.”

He also reiterated the NSC’s commitment to developing all sports, recalling recent successes in cricket and badminton.

The NSC DG called on Nigerians to rally behind D’Tigers, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to embody the competitive spirit that defines Nigerian sports.

Nigeria’s final 12-man squad for the qualifiers in Tripoli will be led by two Olympians—Caleb Agada and team captain Ike Nwamu—as they battle for a place in the Afrobasket tournament.

“At the Commission, I want to reiterate that the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and I are fully committed to the growth of all sports, and we will continue to exemplify this through proper preparations for all our national teams at international competitions,” Olopade said.

With the NSC’s support, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) successfully facilitated the team’s arrival in Tripoli for the crucial qualifiers.

Persecondnews reports that the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) unveiled the final 12-man squad for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers which will be held in Tripoli, Libya, from February 21–23, 2025.

A solid blend of seasoned players and home-based talent make up the group to help Nigeria qualify.

The players, coaches, and the staff members had left their separate locations on February 17 and arrived in Tripoli for the mini-tournament.

The D’Tigers, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, must win two of the three games at least with the hope that Uganda will blow its chances.

Cape Verde is now on six points, and will undoubtedly make it to the finals next year.