D’Tigers head coach David Fizdale believes the absence of key point guards contributed to Nigeria’s struggles during the latest window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, but insists the narrow defeat to South Sudan demonstrated that his team can compete with Africa’s established basketball powers.
Nigeria suffered an 82–79 defeat to South Sudan in their second game of the August qualifying window, following a 78–62 loss to Cameroon. The two defeats left D’Tigers under pressure ahead of their final game against Cape Verde.
Fizdale identified the lack of available ball-handlers as one of the factors that affected Nigeria’s performance, particularly in a demanding qualifying window against experienced opposition.
Despite the setbacks, the American coach took encouragement from the three-point margin against South Sudan, believing the performance showed that D’Tigers are capable of competing at the highest level on the continent.
Nigeria fought back strongly after falling behind early against South Sudan but ultimately could not complete the comeback, with the East Africans holding their nerve in the closing stages.
The D’Tigers coach is now looking ahead to the final qualifying window in February 2027, when he expects to have more of his preferred point guards and shooters available.
That could provide Nigeria with greater balance and offensive options as they attempt to secure one of Africa’s places at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
