2025 Afrobasket: Ten years on, D’Tigers chase another African title

Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, known as D’Tigers, officially released its final squad list for the upcoming 2025 Men’s AfroBasket Championship.

The prestigious continental basketball tournament is scheduled to take place in Angola from August 12 to August 24.

D’Tigers are setting their sights on capturing their second AfroBasket title, a full ten years after they first lifted the trophy in 2015.

The Nigerian team has been drawn into Group B, where they will face tough competition from Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon. Their campaign begins with a match against Madagascar on August 13.

In preparation for the tournament, the team went through intensive training sessions and evaluation camps. Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman had to make several tough decisions before finalizing the squad. As a result, three players Fola Fayemi, Kareem Joseph, and Mohamed AbdulSalam  were dropped from the final selection.

Another notable absentee is Peter Olisemeka, who was ruled ineligible to participate in the tournament for undisclosed reasons.

Despite these absences, the team still boasts a strong lineup. NBA player Josh Okogie leads the squad and brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team.

He is joined by several returning veterans such as Talib Zanna, Ike Nwamu, Stan Okoye, and Caleb Agada, all of whom have previously represented Nigeria on the international stage.

In addition to the experienced players, the team also includes a number of promising young talents who have earned their first call-up to a major tournament.

These include Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, and Emmanuel Omogbo. The coaching staff is optimistic that this blend of youth and experience will strengthen the team’s chances in the competition.

This year’s AfroBasket is the 31st edition of the tournament, which has been held since 1962. Over the decades, the championship has grown to become the biggest men’s basketball event in Africa. Angola holds the record for the most titles, having been crowned champions 11 times. Meanwhile, Tunisia, who won the last edition of the tournament, will enter the 2025 championship as the defending champions.

Sixteen national teams from across the continent will compete in this year’s tournament, all hoping to take home the coveted trophy. For Nigeria, the goal is clear: to reclaim the top spot in African basketball and add a second title to their history books.

The team also hopes to replicate the success of Nigeria’s women’s team, D’Tigress, who currently hold the title of African champions.

With high expectations and a determined squad, D’Tigers are ready to represent Nigeria with pride on the continental stage once again.