The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full support behind Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, as they set out to reclaim continental dominance at the 31st FIBA Men’s AfroBasket, which tips off today in Angola.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, assured the coach Mohammed Abdulrahman-led side of the Federal Government’s commitment to their quest for a second AfroBasket crown, urging them to embody discipline, patriotism, and passion on the court.
“This is to tell you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is solidly behind you. You carry the hopes of more than 200 million Nigerians. Play with discipline, patriotism, passion and togetherness, and know that your country stands firmly behind you,” Dikko said.
Drawing inspiration from the women’s national team, he added, “The Nigerian can-do spirit was very evident in D’Tigress at the Women’s AfroBasket. We want you to carry that same never-say-die disposition into the Men’s AfroBasket. We have full confidence that, like your compatriots, you will dominate Africa.”
NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed.
“There is no doubt that you can do it. You have done it before, and we know you have the quality to do it again. Go ahead and make the nation proud,” he said.
D’Tigers, placed in Group B, will face defending champions Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon. They open their campaign against Madagascar on Wednesday, August 13, followed by Tunisia on August 15, and wrap up the group stage against Cameroon on August 17.
The 31st AfroBasket, featuring 16 teams, runs from August 12 to 24. Angola, the host nation, is the most successful side in the tournament’s history, with 11 titles.
