D’Tigers head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman has opened up on the team’s struggles in the first phase of the FIBA 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers, revealing that Nigeria went into the window with a hastily assembled squad and far less preparation than their opponents.
Nigeria lost to Tunisia and Guinea before securing a crucial overtime victory against Rwanda, a win that ensured qualification for the next round. Abdulrahman said the results reflected Nigeria’s disjointed preparation.
“Only a few players from the Afrobasket squad were available. We were hurriedly assembled, while other teams had been preparing for months,” he admitted.
He explained that several players were tied up by club commitments and could not report early, making it difficult to build chemistry, install tactical systems, or properly assess rotation options.
“Most teams had full camps. We had to put a team together quickly, and that affected our rhythm, especially in the first two games,” he noted.
Despite the setbacks, Abdulrahman commended his players for their resilience, particularly in the hard-fought victory over Rwanda.
“The boys showed heart. Even with limited preparation, they fought till the end and earned us that win,” he said.
Looking ahead to the second round of qualifiers, Abdulrahman said the team will be working intensely to perfect their strategies, strengthen defensive cohesion, and improve offensive execution.
“Heading into the next round, we’ll work harder to perfect our systems. We want to be more formidable,” he stated.
The coach emphasized that Nigeria remains a dangerous team when properly prepared, and he expects a much stronger showing once the squad has adequate time together.
“When we train properly and have our full roster, we are a completely different team. Fans will see that in the next round,” he assured.
Abdulrahman also praised the commitment of the players who were available, saying they sacrificed and adapted under difficult conditions.
He concluded with optimism and determination:
“We survived this phase. Now we plan better, prepare better, and return stronger. D’Tigers will rise in the next FIBA window.”
