Nigeria’s men’s basketball head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman has praised the Rwandan national team for their spirited performance despite D’Tigers’ hard-earned 75–69 overtime victory in their final group game of the Qatar 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
In a match that many assumed would be a comfortable win for Nigeria, Rwanda pushed the former African champions to the absolute limit, forcing overtime and threatening to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the round.
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Speaking after the dramatic win that secured Nigeria’s qualification for the next stage, Abdulrahman admitted that Rwanda surprised everyone, including him.
“Before jump ball, nobody would have given Rwanda a chance. But they came out as a cohesive, disciplined team. They tested us, they pushed us, and they made us work for everything,” he said.
The coach emphasised that Rwanda deserved full respect for the intensity and unity they showed. Their ball movement, defensive aggression, and confidence rattled Nigeria at key moments, leaving D’Tigers searching for solutions.
“They played a very good game. They believed in themselves, and that made the match very tough,” Abdulrahman acknowledged.
But the coach also praised his own team for the character they displayed, especially when the pressure peaked in overtime. He noted that Nigeria’s response was a reflection of their mental strength and willingness to step up when it mattered most.
“My players showed courage of their own. The nerves were there, but they handled the moment, stayed calm, and closed out the game,” he said.
Abdulrahman applauded the squad’s composure, resilience, and refusal to panic as Rwanda mounted multiple runs throughout the contest. He believes the experience will prove valuable, sharpening the team for tougher battles ahead.
“Games like this are important for growth. You learn who can respond under pressure, who can think clearly, and who can lift the team when things get tight,” he added.
The coach concluded by calling for more consistency and intensity as Nigeria prepares for the next round of qualifiers.
His summary was simple but powerful:
“Rwanda challenged us, and we needed that. Now we must build on it.”
