D’Tigers guard Abel Offia has stressed the importance of adequate preparation and team cohesion as Nigeria prepares for the next window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria will face Cameroon, South Sudan and Cape Verde in Window 4 of the qualifying campaign in Tunis from August 27 to 30, with the D’Tigers looking to strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Offia, who has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the qualifying window, believes the amount of time the team spends together before the games could have a major influence on its performances.
The Rivers Hoopers guard emphasised that building an understanding among the players is particularly important when a national team brings together athletes who play for different clubs and in different leagues.
> “We need enough time together before the games. The more we train together and understand each other, the better we will perform when we step on the court,” Offia said.
The Nigerian international believes team chemistry must extend beyond tactical work, stressing that developing relationships away from the court can also strengthen performances during games.
> “Understanding each other on and off the court is very important. When the chemistry is right, it shows in the way we play and respond to difficult situations,” he added.
Offia’s inclusion in the D’Tigers setup comes after an impressive domestic campaign with Rivers Hoopers, where he has continued to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s promising guards. The national team roster for the World Cup qualifiers lists him alongside other players including Jordan Nwora, Caleb Agada and Ugochukwu Simon.
With three demanding fixtures awaiting Nigeria in Tunis, Offia believes the D’Tigers must use their preparation period effectively and build the cohesion required to compete against strong opposition.
The upcoming window will therefore provide another important test for Nigeria as the team continues its quest to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
