Nigeria’s men’s basketball squad, D’Tigers, begin their 2027 FIBA World Cup African qualifiers on Thursday with a critical mission: to ensure the nation avoids another painful absence from basketball’s global stage.
Following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the men’s football World Cup, all eyes are now on D’Tigers to restore national pride and secure Nigeria’s spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The campaign kicks off in Tunis, where Nigeria will face host nation Tunisia in their opening Group C fixture.
Group C also features Rwanda and Guinea, with Nigeria currently ranked as the second-highest team in the pool behind Tunisia. Both Nigeria and Tunisia last competed at the World Cup in 2019, and with only five African slots available for the 2027 finals in Doha, the margin for error is minimal.
Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, speaking to newsmen, emphasized the importance of focus and motivation despite a challenging preparation period. The squad arrived in Tunisia just hours before their first full training session, but Abdulrahman dismissed any concerns about their readiness.
“Our focus is on one game at a time. The team is motivated, and we are ready to give our best on the court,” Abdulrahman said, highlighting the determination of the Nigerian side as they chase qualification.
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