Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have confirmed their 12-man roster for the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship, scheduled for August 12–24 in Angola.
The 2015 champions will be chasing a second continental crown, ten years after their historic maiden triumph in Rades, Tunisia. Drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, debutants Madagascar, and perennial contenders Cameroon, Nigeria will open their campaign against Madagascar on August 13.
Final Roster Revealed
Following an intense training camp, head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman trimmed his squad, releasing Fola Fayemi, Kareem Joseph, and Mohamed AbdulSalam. Veteran big man Peter Olisemeka was also omitted after being declared ineligible for the tournament.
The final line-up is anchored by NBA guard Josh Okogie, who will be making his first AfroBasket appearance since 2019. He is joined by experienced returnees Talib Zanna, Ike Nwamu, Stan Okoye, and Caleb Agada.
Rising talents Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Mike Nuga, Devine Eke, Christian Mekowulu, Martins Igbanu, Ugo Andrew Simon, and Emmanuel Omogbo complete a squad blending proven international pedigree with youthful energy.
Tournament Overview
This year marks the 31st edition of AfroBasket since its inception in 1962. Sixteen nations will compete in Angola, with 11-time champions Angola leading the historical standings.
Tunisia, the reigning champions, will be looking to defend the title they secured in Kigali in 2021, while Nigeria seek to replicate the success of D’Tigress, the women’s national team, who currently dominate African basketball.
The top two teams from each group, along with the best two third-placed finishers, will advance to the quarter-finals, with knockout games set to begin on August 21.
Nigeria’s Group B Fixtures (will be played in Luanda):
- Aug 13: Nigeria vs Madagascar
- Aug 15: Nigeria vs Cameroon
- Aug 17: Nigeria vs Tunisia
With a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, D’Tigers head into the tournament looking to restore their place at the summit of African basketball after quarter-final exits in the last two editions.