D’TIGERS READY TO CHASE SECOND AFROBASKET TITLE

By: Gyang Dakwo

Ten years have passed since Nigeria’s D’Tigers climbed to the top of African basketball in 2015, but the fire has never gone out. Now, the hunger is back, the players are charged, and the fans can almost taste the thrill of another victory. Angola is the stage, and August 12 to 24 is the window, everything is set for a showdown.

Interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman said his team remain focused for the task ahead, noting that the team is mindful of the fact that it was not going to be “a stroll in the park.”

The final 12-man squad is locked in, and Nigeria is bracing for the battle in Group B against Tunisia, Madagascar and Cameroon. First up is Madagascar on August 13, and the team knows a strong start could set the tone for the entire campaign.

Leading the charge is star guard Josh Okogie, whose flair and experience will be crucial. Right beside him stand the battle-tested Talib Zanna, Ike Nwamu, Stan Okoye and Caleb Agada, players who know exactly what it takes to handle the pressure.

But this is not just a team of veterans. A new wave of talent is stepping in, with Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon and Emmanuel Omogbo ready to make their mark.

This will be the 31st edition of AfroBasket since 1962, and history says Angola is the nation to beat with 11 titles.

Tunisia comes in as the defending champion, and with 16 countries chasing one trophy, there will be no easy games.

Yet Abdulrahman said the D’Tigers are undisturbed. He said they have the skills, the heart, and the belief, and they are chasing the same glory that D’Tigress hold as Africa’s women’s champions.

The question is simple, can Nigeria make it double gold?