D’Tigers Expect Enthralling Debut

For most countries, playing at the Olympics is the ultimate goal, but for Nigeria it is just the beginning.

“Right now we are trying to become a world power,” said inspirational forward Ike Diogu.

Nigeria qualified for their first Olympic Games with an 88-73 victory over the Dominican Republic in the final game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

It was a remarkable effort given only three players returned from last year’s team, the group had only two weeks preparation, and they had to defeat the world’s fourth and fifth ranked teams along the way.

“The group we have this year is not like any group we’ve ever had. When we assembled the first thing coach said was ‘let’s make history’,” Diogu said.

“(But) not just a one year thing, we want to have sustainable success and that’s what we’re working towards.”

Captain Olumide Oyedeji thinks the hierarchy is already in place on the court for this young Nigerian team to become one of the world’s elite.

“We’re trying to build the team for the next 10 years,” he said.

“Hopefully they can continue learning and continue growing, keep bringing young players in and the older players keep tutoring them and showing the way.”

For now though, “the way is a trip to London for what should be an enthralling Olympic debut,” Oyedeji told FIBA.com.