D’Tigers head coach David Fizdale has expressed his gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for the continued support the national team has received, insisting that the players are determined to repay that faith with their performances in the crucial 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
Fizdale spoke as D’Tigers prepare for a decisive second-round qualifying window in Tunisia, where Nigeria will face Cameroon on August 27, South Sudan on August 28 and Cape Verde on August 30 in a demanding Group E campaign.
The American tactician, who was appointed D’Tigers head coach in May, said the backing from Nigerian basketball fans has been encouraging as the team continues its push for a place at the World Cup in Qatar.
“It feels good to be getting support from Nigerians all over the globe,” Fizdale said.
“We really appreciate the constant support the team has continued to receive.”
Fizdale, who has NBA head-coaching experience with the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks and spent eight seasons with the Miami Heat, has been handed the task of guiding Nigeria back to the global stage. He also worked as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns before taking the D’Tigers job.
The 51-year-old coach has already overseen a significant improvement in Nigeria’s qualifying campaign. D’Tigers went 3-0 in their most recent qualifying window in Luanda, giving the team renewed confidence heading into the second round.
Now, however, the pressure is even greater.
Nigeria will carry its results from the first phase into the second round, making every game increasingly important in the race for one of Africa’s five places at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Fizdale has therefore urged his players to remain focused and continue working towards the common objective.
“We have been working hard to make Nigerians proud,” he said.
“The whole team is focused on winning, and we will give everything.”
The coach will have a strong squad at his disposal, with Chimezie Metu, Josh Okogie, Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Chima Moneke, Ike Nwamu, Udoka Azubuike, Efe Abogidi, Ebuka Izundu, Manny Obaseki, Jordan Ogundiran and Michael Efevberha named in the 12-man squad for the Tunisia window.
The return of Moneke is one of the major talking points, with the forward set to make his first official senior international appearance for Nigeria since the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers.
Fizdale knows the task ahead will be demanding, particularly with Cameroon, South Sudan and Cape Verde all standing between Nigeria and a strong start to the second phase.
But with the support of Nigerians continuing to grow, the former NBA coach believes his players have the motivation to deliver.
“We know what is at stake,” Fizdale said.
“We are determined to give our best, fight together and make Nigerians proud.”
For D’Tigers, the message is clear as the battle for a World Cup ticket intensifies: the players are ready, the coach is focused, and Fizdale wants Nigerians everywhere to keep believing in the team.
