D’Tigers make U-turn on Afrobasket withdrawal, arrive in Tunisia for tournament

Nigeria’s D’Tigers have landed in Tunisia ahead of their opening game of the qualification tournament for the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket. 

The players’ arrival at the competition’s venue was announced in a short clip on the team’s official X account on Friday.

On Wednesday, D’Tigers announced their withdrawal from the Afrobasket qualifiers, citing a “lack of funds from the government”.

There were reports that the players are yet to receive their flight tickets to Tunisia, the venue for the first window of the qualification tournament.

However, TheCable gathered that a few hours after the announcement, John Enoh, minister of sports, intervened on the issue and arrangements were made to ensure Nigeria’s participation.

The tournament organisers also adjusted D’Tigers’ first game of the competition, which was earlier scheduled for 2 pm on Friday to 8 pm.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) finally released the roster of participating players.

The team include Michael Okiki, Johnson Anaiye, Victor Eze, Kanyinsola Odufuwa, Mike Nuga and Mojeed Ewuosho.

Others are Ibe Agu, Devine Eke, Bright Akhuetie, Abuchi Onyebuchi, Emmanuel Omogbo and Otobo Israel.

D’Tigers are drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Uganda and Libya for a place at next year’s Afrobasket tournament.

They play Libya in their opening game on Friday by 8 pm before facing Uganda on Saturday and Cape Verde a day later.